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
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.
Verb
wait for the modeling clay to firm up before handling the finished pot
Noun
merged with another firm to become a major player in the brokerage business
Recent Examples on the Web
Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Density Options: For custom comfort, many pillows offer soft, medium, and firm densities.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
It’s powered by ultra-low molecular collagen that penetrates deeply to firm and smooth fine lines, while oligo-hyaluronic acid hydrates better and faster than traditional HA, sinking in deeper and faster, leaving skin plump without heaviness.
—Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Irving Picard, the trustee liquidating Madoff's firm, said the $498.3 million represents all transfers that the Luxembourg funds received from the firm.
—Jonathan Stempel, USA Today, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for firm
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Adjective
Brands that want to thrive must set firmer boundaries with retailers and platforms and refuse arrangements that jeopardize their financial or creative independence.
—Adam Ayers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Density Options: For custom comfort, many pillows offer soft, medium, and firm densities.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
Adverb
The Golden Knights generated multiple good chances, but Quick and the rest of Los Angeles' makeshift defense held firm once again to preserve the tie.
—Tim Hackett, SI.com, 14 Apr. 2018
Verb
The anti-aging serum uses Vitamins B, C and E plus ferulic acid to firm the skin and help reduce wrinkles.
—Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
It’s powered by ultra-low molecular collagen that penetrates deeply to firm and smooth fine lines, while oligo-hyaluronic acid hydrates better and faster than traditional HA, sinking in deeper and faster, leaving skin plump without heaviness.
—Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
Noun
The firm will work alongside both the city and Hagerty Consulting, which Bass tapped as a recovery contractor in early February, according to the mayor’s office.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Irving Picard, the trustee liquidating Madoff's firm, said the $498.3 million represents all transfers that the Luxembourg funds received from the firm.
—Jonathan Stempel, USA Today, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for firm
Cite this Entry
“Firm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firm. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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