1
a
: securely or solidly fixed in place
his teeth were firm
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
a firm handshake
c
: having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure
firm apples
2
a(1)
: not subject to change or revision
a firm offer
a firm date
(2)
: not subject to price weakness : steady
firm commodities
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer in democracy
c
: well-founded
firm evidence of criminal activity
3
: indicating firmness or resolution
a firm mouth
a firm voice
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
: in a firm manner : steadfastly, fixedly
firmed; firming; firms
1
a
: to make secure or fast : tighten
firming her grip on the racquet
—often used with up
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to put into final form : settle
firm a contract
firm up plans
3
: to give additional support to : strengthen
—usually used with up
1
: the name or title under which a company transacts business
2
: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3
: a business unit or enterprise
Synonyms
Examples of firm in a Sentence
Adjective
She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.
They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.
He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.
The time has come for us to take a firm stand.
The children need gentle but firm handling.
Noun
merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business
Recent Examples on the Web
Jasmine Browley, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
The stalks should be firm and smooth, other than the tiny petal leaves that emerge.
—Katie Workman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024
When selecting rhubarb, look for stalks that are firm, crisp and free of blemishes.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
Of course, vitamin C is also essential for building collagen, which helps skin stay firm, glowy, and wrinkle-free.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024
The planners kept different needs in mind when selecting furniture, so a selection of seating — wide, narrow, tall, short, soft and firm — accommodates a variety of needs.
—Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024
Finish off your regimen with Lancer Skin's Intensive Night Treatment, a night cream enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and marula oil to moisturize and firm skin overnight.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Mar. 2024
He’s got a very good balance of being firm and letting guys be themselves.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2024
The silicone is a good level of squishy – firm, yet soft – and gives off a strong, but not too strong, spray.
—Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024
Alexandra Meeks, CNN, 24 Feb. 2023
The Fed plans to publish aggregate findings from the exercise but no firm-specific information.
—Reuters, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2022
The mandatory disclosure of more firm-specific information has also improved capital allocation across various industries.
—Diane Hoskins, Fortune, 26 May 2022
For more firm-looking and radiant skin, this professional-grade pair is tops.
—Megan McIntyre, Town & Country, 21 Sep. 2021
In addition to the CIO, oversight from a sustainability committee that ensures a firm-wide holistic approach and quality control is helpful.
—Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2021
After graduating from Yale University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture (later converted to a master’s degree according to Jack Jr.,) Bialosky Sr. founded the firm now known as Bialosky Cleveland.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 17 Apr. 2020
Another prominent original occupant — the trust company occupied about half the building — was the Los Angeles law firm now known as O’Melveny & Myers.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2019
Two law firms, Marchena and Graham and the former Broad & Cassel law firm now known as Nelson Mullins received the bulk of the payments.
—Beth Kassab, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Sep. 2019
Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
Budge said 12 or 13 5,000-pound concrete highway barriers will likely be installed to firm up walls.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024
How to find the right firming body cream What to look for in a firming body cream
Which ingredients should be in a skin-firming cream?
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024
The Padres have only two outfielders on their active roster and need to firm up their rotation behind Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Michael King.
—Bernie Wilson, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024
The addition of Centella Asiatica firms your lines while the CoQ10 energizes in a gentle way.
—Erin Michelle Newberg, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
However, we weren’t convinced of its value since other products even tone and brighten the skin while firming it (which this product didn’t do).
—Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2024
She’s firmed up the line between person and persona while smudging the line between the music and the listener.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Apple debuted a new sports app Wednesday (Feb. 21) — firming its foothold in the lucrative live sports streaming market.
—Laura Bratton, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2024
At the end of March, year-to-date box office in China was $2.32 billion according to consultancy firm Artisan Gateway.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024
Private equity firm and hedge fund owners would take a hit.
—David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
The Shelton, Connecticut firm services the alcoholic beverage industry and uses NIQ data tracking retail sales at supermarkets, convenience and select liquor stores.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
In the past year, some tech firms, including file storage service Dropbox and language-learning app Duolingo, have cited AI as a reason for making lay-offs.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
The countries and firms that develop quantum computing stand to gain a significant advantage in an array of lucrative industries, some experts told ABC News.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024
And a $40 billion AI fund is being planned by the PIF and Silicon Valley’s top VC firm, Andreessen Horowitz—a deal that could make the kingdom the world’s biggest investor in AI.
—Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
Last week, the staffing firm that places many health care workers from the Philippines to work in the U.S., announced a $6 million settlement to a civil class action lawsuit brought by former employees who had accused it of fraud and violating labor trafficking laws.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 26 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Fortune als reports she was connected with several angel investors through the firm Slauson & Co, who also invested in the company.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
The stalks should be firm and smooth, other than the tiny petal leaves that emerge.
—Katie Workman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024
When selecting rhubarb, look for stalks that are firm, crisp and free of blemishes.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
Of course, vitamin C is also essential for building collagen, which helps skin stay firm, glowy, and wrinkle-free.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2024
The planners kept different needs in mind when selecting furniture, so a selection of seating — wide, narrow, tall, short, soft and firm — accommodates a variety of needs.
—Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024
Finish off your regimen with Lancer Skin's Intensive Night Treatment, a night cream enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and marula oil to moisturize and firm skin overnight.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Mar. 2024
He’s got a very good balance of being firm and letting guys be themselves.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2024
The silicone is a good level of squishy – firm, yet soft – and gives off a strong, but not too strong, spray.
—Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024
Adverb
Bezos hires firm to explore the possibility of NFL team bid Amazon founder Jeff Bezos hired a firm to research a possible bid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, sources told the Washington Post.
—Alexandra Meeks, CNN, 24 Feb. 2023
The Fed plans to publish aggregate findings from the exercise but no firm-specific information.
—Reuters, NBC News, 29 Sep. 2022
The mandatory disclosure of more firm-specific information has also improved capital allocation across various industries.
—Diane Hoskins, Fortune, 26 May 2022
For more firm-looking and radiant skin, this professional-grade pair is tops.
—Megan McIntyre, Town & Country, 21 Sep. 2021
In addition to the CIO, oversight from a sustainability committee that ensures a firm-wide holistic approach and quality control is helpful.
—Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2021
After graduating from Yale University in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture (later converted to a master’s degree according to Jack Jr.,) Bialosky Sr. founded the firm now known as Bialosky Cleveland.
—Steven Litt, cleveland, 17 Apr. 2020
Another prominent original occupant — the trust company occupied about half the building — was the Los Angeles law firm now known as O’Melveny & Myers.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2019
Two law firms, Marchena and Graham and the former Broad & Cassel law firm now known as Nelson Mullins received the bulk of the payments.
—Beth Kassab, orlandosentinel.com, 18 Sep. 2019
Verb
The city has six months to firm up plans regarding the legislation, which goes into effect Oct. 1.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024
Budge said 12 or 13 5,000-pound concrete highway barriers will likely be installed to firm up walls.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024
How to find the right firming body cream What to look for in a firming body cream
Which ingredients should be in a skin-firming cream?
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024
The Padres have only two outfielders on their active roster and need to firm up their rotation behind Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Michael King.
—Bernie Wilson, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024
The addition of Centella Asiatica firms your lines while the CoQ10 energizes in a gentle way.
—Erin Michelle Newberg, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
However, we weren’t convinced of its value since other products even tone and brighten the skin while firming it (which this product didn’t do).
—Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2024
She’s firmed up the line between person and persona while smudging the line between the music and the listener.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024
Apple debuted a new sports app Wednesday (Feb. 21) — firming its foothold in the lucrative live sports streaming market.
—Laura Bratton, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024
Noun
Prior to joining the Southern Living team, Cameron worked with an art gallery, a branding and creative firm, and a marketing firm with a variety of roles from writing to photography to design.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2024
At the end of March, year-to-date box office in China was $2.32 billion according to consultancy firm Artisan Gateway.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024
Private equity firm and hedge fund owners would take a hit.
—David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024
The Shelton, Connecticut firm services the alcoholic beverage industry and uses NIQ data tracking retail sales at supermarkets, convenience and select liquor stores.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024
In the past year, some tech firms, including file storage service Dropbox and language-learning app Duolingo, have cited AI as a reason for making lay-offs.
—Anna Cooban, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024
The countries and firms that develop quantum computing stand to gain a significant advantage in an array of lucrative industries, some experts told ABC News.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024
And a $40 billion AI fund is being planned by the PIF and Silicon Valley’s top VC firm, Andreessen Horowitz—a deal that could make the kingdom the world’s biggest investor in AI.
—Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
Last week, the staffing firm that places many health care workers from the Philippines to work in the U.S., announced a $6 million settlement to a civil class action lawsuit brought by former employees who had accused it of fraud and violating labor trafficking laws.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective, Adverb, and Verb
Middle English ferm, from Anglo-French, from Latin firmus; akin to Greek thronos chair, throne
Noun
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm, from firmus
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Noun
1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of firm was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing firm
Dictionary Entries Near firm
Cite this Entry
“Firm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firm. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
firm
1 of 4 adjective1
a
: solidly fixed in place
b
: not weak or uncertain : vigorous
c
: having a solid or compact texture
2
a
: not likely to be changed
a firm offer
b
: not easily moved or disturbed : steadfast
a firm believer
3
: indicating firmness or determination
firmly
adverb
firmness
noun
firm
2 of 4 adverb
: in a firm manner
stood firm
firm
3 of 4 verb1
a
: to make secure
firm your grip on the racket
b
: to make solid or compact
firm the soil
2
: to become firm
firm
4 of 4 noun
: a business organization
law firm
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English ferm "firm, secure," from early French ferm (same meaning), from Latin firmus "firm, secure, solid"
Noun
from German firma "the name or sign under which a company does business," from Italian firma "signature," derived from Latin firmare "to make firm, to approve, to sign," from firmus "firm, secure"
Legal Definition
firm
noun1
: the name or title under which a company transacts business
2
: a partnership of two or more persons that is not recognized as a legal person distinct from the members composing it
3
: a business unit or enterprise
Etymology
Noun
German Firma, from Italian, signature, ultimately from Latin firmare to make firm, confirm
More from Merriam-Webster on firm
Nglish: Translation of firm for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of firm for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share