firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
1
a
: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target
b
: effective fire
2
a
: effective power or force
intellectual firepower
b
: the scoring ability of a team or player

Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders. right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bucky's firepower is now as relentless as his mission for justice! Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 The Eagles boast three Division I college recruits, which would normally be plenty of firepower to win in the Sweet 16 of the CHSAA state basketball tournament. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025 Supported by Screen Ireland, Storyhouse is a not-for-profit initiative that celebrates the best of Ireland while bringing some serious firepower. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025 In an unprecedented show of firepower, the Chinese Navy conducted two live-fire exercises in waters between Australia and New Zealand last week, forcing dozens of flights to be diverted and raising alarm in both countries. Wayne Chang, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for firepower

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of firepower was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Firepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firepower. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

firepower

noun
fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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