fire hat

noun

1. a helmet worn by a firefighter as a defense against falling materials from burning structures.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire hat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

NANTUCKET, Mass. — President Joe Biden on Thursday delivered at least half a dozen pumpkin pies to Massachusetts firefighters during a Thanksgiving Day show of appreciation and his toddler grandson walked away with a red fire hat topping his blond curls.

From Washington Times

He also gave away a children’s book on fire safety and a plastic fire hat for those who won.

From Washington Times

Fire in a church—Catholic—little marble images all round the room in niches; wall began to totter; statues began to fall; St. Andrew knocked my fire hat over my eyes; St. Peter threw his whole weight on my big toe; St. Jerome hit me a clip over the head, which laid me sprawling, when a picture of the Holy Family fell and covered me up like a bed quilt.

From Project Gutenberg

He stood on a bearskin rug before the blazing fire, hat in hand, boots polished, tall and trim with his handsome head bowed just a trifle.

From Project Gutenberg

Hagman will often go crosseyed in closeups, and has been known to come to work wearing a fire hat with a revolving red light.

From Time Magazine Archive