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fer

1 American  
[fur, fer] / fɜr, fər /

preposition

Informal.
  1. for.


-fer 2 American  
  1. a combining form meaning “that which carries” the thing specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words.

    aquifer; conifer; foraminifer.


-fer British  

combining form

  1. indicating a person or thing that bears something specified

    crucifer

    conifer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fer1

A phonetic spelling representing the pronunciation of this word in dialectal speech

Origin of -fer2

From Latin, derivative of ferre “to carry, support, bear,” in Latin generally forming adjectives; the corresponding English adjectives add -ous; bear 1, -ferous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As Oasis reunion fever gripped the nation last year, Scotland went particularly mad fer it.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Meanwhile, fer can take its place next to mauzac, négrette and prunelard, other indigenous grapes of southwestern France intriguing enough to research further.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2022

Well out here in Durango, it ain’t fit fer a fella.

From Washington Post • Oct. 4, 2018

“Am . de . fer . - however you say it,” she said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 16, 2017

“I bin waitin’ fer half an hour already.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling