fireback

1 of 2

noun

fire·​back ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌbak How to pronounce fireback (audio)
: an often decorated cast-iron plate lining the back wall of a fireplace

fire back

2 of 2

verb

fired back; firing back; fires back

intransitive verb

: to answer someone quickly and usually angrily
After his statement, his opponents fired back.
often used with at
She fired back at her critics.

transitive verb

: to utter as a quick and angry response
He fired back a comparable insult …Drew T. Brown III

Examples of fireback 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.
Noun
The head was followed by bright yellowish-orange tail feathers, easily identifiable as the fireback. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 There’s also a cast iron fireback in the fireplace in the living room. Joanne Kempinger Demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 26 May 2022
Verb
Gerry Cardinale, the founder of RedBird Capital, Paramount Skydance’s second-largest shareholder (behind David Ellison), fired back at the assertions. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026 Two officers then fired back, killing him, according to Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley. Stephanie Douglas, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 On Friday, O’Leary, who is famously outspoken and known for his skill in harnessing publicity, fired back during an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 During the Traitors roundtable, Colton and other cast members immediately fired back at Michael for his comment that seemed to be about hiding his sexuality for most of his life. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Jan. 2026 Todd Chrisley fired back at critics of his pardon, claiming the outrage isn’t about justice at all. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1566, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1880, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of fireback was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Fireback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fireback. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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