fire extinguisher

noun

1. a portable container, usually filled with special chemicals for putting out a fire.

fire-extinguisher

noun

1. a portable device for extinguishing fires, usually consisting of a canister with a directional nozzle used to direct a spray of water, chemically generated foam, inert gas, or fine powder onto the fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire extinguisher¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The cellblock emptied of prison officials, Garcia broke all the glass in the module and sprayed a fire extinguisher, the report says.

From Los Angeles Times

The pilots received a fire warning in the cockpit, shut down the engine and deployed fire extinguishers.

From BBC

Hardy, of Melton High Street, Rotherham, was sentenced to three years in prison after he threw fence panels, a fire extinguisher and a chair at the line of officers.

From BBC

"They had fire extinguishers on board but unfortunately the fire appears to have taken hold very quickly, so they did the right thing in calling us and asking for assistance."

From BBC

Flat glass marbles on the fire extinguisher “body” glittered in the sunlight.

From Los Angeles Times