first responder

noun

: a person (such as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance

Examples of first responder in a Sentence

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.
Friday’s celebration will have food, music and free car washes for first responders who live in Miami-Dade along with raffles to win a free membership. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Visit California also released a list of resources to help support relief efforts, including how to help wildfire victims, firefighters and first responders, and animals in the area. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Newsom had invited Trump, ahead of his inauguration, to come to California to see the destruction, meet with families and thank first responders and firefighters. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 24 Jan. 2025 Los Angeles firefighters surrounded the center-ice logo as a tribute video played on the scoreboard for all first responders and firefighters. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for first responder 

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first responder was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near first responder

Cite this Entry

“First responder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20responder. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

first responder

noun
first re·​spond·​er
-ri-ˈspän-dər
: a person (as a police officer or an EMT) who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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