spitfire

/ˈspɪtˌfaɪər/
noun
  1. A person, especially a woman or girl, who has a strong, fiery temper and is not afraid to speak her mind.
    • My grandmother was a spitfire who stood up to the town council when they tried to close the library.
    • In the movie, the heroine is a spitfire who never backs down from a fight.
    • The little girl was a real spitfire, arguing with anyone who told her what to do.
  2. A British fighter plane used during World War II, known for its speed and maneuverability.
    • A restored Spitfire flew over the airfield during the memorial ceremony.
    • My grandfather was a pilot who flew Spitfires in the war.
    • The Spitfire played a key role in the Battle of Britain.
What does "spitfire" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean