noun
Meaning 1
A cannon.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Standard Lemma guide
spitfire
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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noun
Meaning 2
A person with a fiery temper, someone easily provoked to anger, especially a woman or girl.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: figuratively
Examples
- 1801, Peter Viereck, The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, D.D., Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin., Volume XIII, by John Nichols (arranged by Thomas Sheridan), p. 143, published in London "―But however provoked, are your scribbling spitfires never to be satisfied?"
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: shitfire
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Meaning 3
A larva of the spitfire sawfly, Perga affinis.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Meaning 4
A single-seat fighter used by the RAF and allies during World War II, especially during the Battle of Britain.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: historical
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Meaning 5
a highly emotional and quick-tempered person (especially a girl or woman)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: emotional person
History
Etymology
Deverbal from spit fire.
Real reading context