fir

noun

ˈfər 

1

: any of a genus (Abies) of north temperate evergreen trees of the pine family that have flattish leaves, circular leaf scars, and erect female cones and are valued for their wood

also : any of various conifers (such as the Douglas fir) of other genera

2

: the wood of a fir

Examples of fir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The steep trail to reach the colony ran out at a green, sun-baked glade sheltered by fir trees. —Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 14 Mar. 2025

However, spruce and fir trees originate new growth from lateral buds rather than terminal buds, so they are pruned in late winter to minimize the sap and resin flow from wounds. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025

Notes of sandalwood, seaweed, amber, and sea salt get a bit of a masculine edge from fir that’s then softened with feminine rose, all of which sit very close to the skin. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025

The basic requirements for orchids are good ventilation, 40 to 50 percent humidity, light, proper watering and a well-draining potting mix usually composed of fir bark. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fyrh; akin to Old High German forha fir, Latin quercus oak

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fir

• balsam fir
• Douglas fir
• Fraser fir
• grand fir
• silver fir
• subalpine fir
• white fir

Rhymes for fir

• birr
• blur
• bur
• cur
• er
• fur
• furr
• gurr
• her
• murr
• myrrh
• per

Kids Definition

fir

noun

ˈfər 

1

: any of various usually large evergreen trees related to the pines some of which yield useful lumber or resins

2

: the wood of a fir

Medical Definition

fir

noun

ˈfər 

: any tree of the genus Abies see balsam fir