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

High up the sides of the room is a forest of fake fir trees on the peaks of the mountain and on the lower level there’s a harbour with full-size longboats sitting in it. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

The painting combines words and symbols connected to colonialism and slavery with imagery evoking the Engadin, such as mountains, fir trees and ibexes. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025

For children, Christmas means Advent calendars, Nativity scenes, and a fir tree. —airmail.news, 21 Dec. 2024

Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights adorn the bald cypress trees lining the River Walk and the imposing 50-foot fir that goes up each year at Travis Park. —Cat Cardenas, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

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

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