Search Dictionary
Definition of spitfire

spitfire

/ˈspɪtˌfaɪər/
spit · fire
Plural:spitfires
JUMP TO:

spitfire Lexical Profile

spitfire Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person (especially a woman or child) or an animal of a fierce, passionate, or quick-tempered nature.

Example

"The young actress was known as a spirited spitfire who never backed down from an argument with the director."

2

Australian The gregarious, caterpillar-like larva of various Australian sawflies of the family Pergidae, known for clustering on eucalyptus trees and ejecting a pungent defensive fluid when disturbed.

Example

"During our walk through the eucalyptus forest, we spotted a dense cluster of spitfires writhing on a low branch."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spitfire
Antonyms
View all antonyms for spitfire

• Nearby Words

spiteful
spitefully
spitefulness
spitfire
spitter
spitting cobra
spittle

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century as a compound of 'spit' and 'fire', originally referring to a cannon or firecracker before being applied figuratively to a person with a fiery temper.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spitfire. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spitfire
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.