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.
Blakeman also said first responders were rescuing people from vehicles trapped in the floodwaters. — Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Only emergency personnel and first responders are allowed to be in the river. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026 Aside from the dehumanizing nature of it all, the senators worry enterprising gamblers might one day set fires — or interfere with first responders — in an effort to improve their odds. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Veterans, first responders and their families participate in therapeutic programs there that strengthen emotional wellness, recovery and resilience. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for first responder

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Browse Nearby Words

first reading
first responder
first-run
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Cite this Entry

“First responder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20responder. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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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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