spitfire

noun

spit·​fire ˈspit-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce spitfire (audio)
: a quick-tempered or highly emotional person

Examples of spitfire 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.
Luna is in your distracted 3rd house, sparring with spitfire Mars in your dizzy 12th house. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026 Nailing the quick-witted, spitfire dialogue, all three leads demand attention with an electric chemistry and camaraderie. — James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Apr. 2026 The combustible mix of sensual spitfire and mama-bear ferocity has made Angela a controversial presence on the show. — Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026 But Harris is confident enough in the spitfire material she’s chosen to approach those stakes head-on, skillfully managing her film’s unique tone even as the ultraviolence continues. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spitfire

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spitfire was in 1656

Rhymes for spitfire

See All Rhymes for spitfire

Browse Nearby Words

spite-work
spitfire
spit in the ocean
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spitfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spitfire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spitfire

noun
spit·​fire ˈspit-ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce spitfire (audio)
: an easily angered or highly emotional person

More from Merriam-Webster on spitfire

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spitfire

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