firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
1
a
: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target
b
: effective fire
2
a
: effective power or force
intellectual firepower
b
: the scoring ability of a team or player

Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders. right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress
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 Boston Red Sox got back to the playoffs in 2025 but still need to add more firepower in the lineup to truly contend. Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Those three Panthers goals were plenty of firepower for goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who tallied 17 saves to record his 50th career regular season shutout, and first shutout of any kind since Game 2 of last May’s series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 Arsenal had already won 4-1 at Selhurst Park that season, but their title defence was stuttering and manager George Graham craved more firepower. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Giving the green light for Ukraine to buy and use such powerful weapons would have dramatically increased the country’s firepower and ability to strike military infrastructure inside Russia. Luke McGee, Time, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for firepower

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of firepower was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Firepower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firepower. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

firepower

noun
fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce firepower (audio)
: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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