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.
The release says a 29-year-old man became combative with first responders, and a paramedic shot him. — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026 Officials said the curfew exempts first responders and people traveling to or from work or seeking medical care. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 As first responders worked to get Donald Bellos into the ambulance, his mother could be seen on the body camera footage by his side, reassuring him. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 My company recently surveyed first responders and law enforcement personnel. — Matthew Polega, Forbes.com, 2 July 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 8 Jul. 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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