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 of firing

• blasting
• bombardment
• barrage
• shot
• discharge
• volley

Examples of firing in a Sentence

found a flaw in the gun's firing

Recent Examples on the Web

The definitive story of Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s firing spree. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Earlier this week the Red Sox made a stunning change, firing manager Alex Cora and a sizable chunk of his coaching staff after a disappointing 10-17 start to the season. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

Reed also lambasted Hegseth for his firing of top military leaders and suggested the Defense secretary had failed to recognize the accomplishments of women and people of color in the military. —Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

One respected firm publishes a study forecasting mass firings, while another estimates the net effect is minimal. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing firing

• firing line
• firing pin
• firing range
• 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