firing

noun

fir·​ing ˈfī-riŋ 

ˈfī-ər-iŋ

1

: the act or process of one that fires

2

: the process of maturing ceramic products by the application of heat

Synonyms

• blasting
• discharge
• shot

Examples of firing in a Sentence

found a flaw in the gun's firing

Recent Examples on the Web

Led by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the firings were not publicly announced, but they were confirmed by Democratic senators and House members, according to the Associated Press. —Nicholas Rice, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025

The abrupt firings have roiled the government and outraged critics who say workers in areas including nuclear security, forest fire prevention and bird flu response have been culled without warning. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025

Congressional Democratic leaders called out the firings as a direct attempt to politicize the military. —Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025

The real reason for the firings, the new hires, and the screenings is very simple—Trump is creating his own Deep State. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing firing

• firing line
• firing pin
• firing squad
• in the firing line
• on the firing line

Rhymes for firing

• hiring
• quiring
• tiring
• wiring
• acquiring
• admiring
• aspiring
• conspiring
• enquiring
• expiring
• inspiring
• perspiring