The correct spelling of “firepit/fire pit” has confused and become a contention among English writers. Even native speakers question whether it should appear as a single word or retain both nouns, being a blend word.
You can spell “firepit” or “fire pit” as one or two words. Choosing either alternative will depend on many factors being a compound noun of “fire” and “pit.” Besides, neither spelling is more correct than the other, with both still having the same meaning. So, your choice won’t worry most readers.
Continue reading this article as I explain each spelling alternative with dictionary references. You will also learn the better spelling option when in doubt in some case scenarios.
Firepit, as One Word
“Firepit” as a single word has the backing of some of the best and oldest English dictionaries.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary spells “firepit” as a single word. It is a pit dug into the ground or encased in a surrounding structure (as of masonry or steel) in which a fire is kept burning for cooking, warmth, etc.
Although the dictionary recognizes its double-word spelling, “fire pit,” its single-word term is still superior. It redirects users to this page despite inputting its double-word phrase in the search bar. And even two of the three listed sentence examples contain the “firepit” spelling.
Despite its unclear etymology being a blended word, Webster reports that English speakers first used it as early as the 15th century. So it is understandable to prefer this spelling over any other.
Moreover, the Cambridge English Dictionary spells “firepit” as a single word without mentioning its double-word variant. It defines a “firepit” as a dug out area or open container outside in which a fire can be lit.
Collins Dictionary, one of the oldest, also doesn’t spell the noun as two words even in all its sentence examples.
“Fire Pit,” as Two Words
“Fire pit” as two words with a space or sometimes hyphen (as in “fire-pit”) is another spelling method. Despite its absence from most dictionaries, it has become popular nowadays – even arguably more than “firepit.”
According to Google Trends, the double-worded “fire pit” sparks more interest than “firepit” in the United States. So, despite being longer, it has a higher Google search volume, which means it is the more favored spelling by Americans.
As mentioned, being slightly different in spelling doesn’t mean it has a separate meaning. Collins Dictionary’s definition of “firepit” as a pit dug into the ground or made from stones, masonry, etc., for keeping a fire used for cooking or warmth still holds for “fire pit.”
Nouns of this nature are open compound nouns because they have a space between them, like these other examples:
- Real estate
- Swimming pool
- Time saver
- Ice cream
- Living room
Since they are essentially two words, they give writers more room to substitute each for a synonym when necessary. For example, you can call a “fire pit” a “fire hole.” And although “fire hole” isn’t in top dictionaries, readers will still understand its meaning when used correctly or interchangeably with “fire pit.”
So, Is Fire Pit One or Two Words?
Frankly, there is no hard-and-fast rule regarding the use of either firepit or fire pit. But whenever in doubt, base your decision on the type of content you are writing.
Use the single-worded “firepit” when writing essays, research papers, or any other formal paper. When writing more informal pieces like blog posts, web articles, or marketing content, you can use the double-worded “fire pit.” The tone of your write-up should ultimately influence your choice.
I’ll explain further:
- Essays, research papers, dissertations: Due to the professional tone of these types of content, spelling “firepit” as a single word is more recommended. Unlike “fire pit,” you can explicitly find “firepit” as a word in some dictionaries, including Merriam Webster, Collins, and Cambridge’s.
- Blog posts, articles, copywriting, and social media posts: In these other informal mediums, spelling “fire pit” as two words is acceptable. For example, if you’re trying to boost a blog post’s SEO results about “firepit/fire pit,” a double-worded one will be the better alternative. It has more search volume than its one-word option, so it’s a no-brainer for SEO enthusiasts who must only choose one.
- Promotional content: For content like ad copies for brands that sell “firepit/fire pit,” your spelling option would depend on the brand’s preference. Some brands use the single-word choice, but most use the double word, which they’ve already established long before. In any case, your opinion won’t matter.
The main thing is to be consistent throughout your writing. Unless directed otherwise, you don’t want to have both ‘firepit’ and ‘fire pit’ scattered throughout the same article.
Understanding a “Firepit/Fire Pit”
Firepits/fire pits are holes that can safely contain fire without spreading. They hold significance in archaeology as one of the earliest forms of cooking in many cultures.
Today, they’ve become more sophisticated and serve more purposes. They are sources of heat outdoors in temperate regions. And they also provide soothing, dim light during evenings and nights.
Types of “Firepits/Fire Pits”
Most people classify three primary firepits/fire pits by their fuel sources:
- Wood
- Propane
- Gel
Wood ones are the simplest. They are preferable not only for their ease of building at home but for their scent of burning wood.
Propane ones are mostly industrially-made, hence purchased from stores. They are easier to control, burn without producing smoke or ash, and are safe because of the surrounding heat-resistant copper, rocks, glass, or ceramics.
Gel firepits/fire pits don’t produce fumes, smoke, or smell and can improve your patio’s aesthetics. They burn with gel fuel, an alcohol-based, utterly safe solution.
Conclusion
You can spell “firepit/fire pit” as one or two words, with both conveying the same meaning. The one-worded spelling is more common in dictionaries, but the two-worded one has become more popular among online English writers.
The nature of your content will help decide the better spelling option. “Firepit” is better for formal pieces like research papers and thesis because dictionaries back it. “Fire pit,” on the other hand, is better for informal content.
A firepit/fire pit’s main job is to contain fire without spreading, and there are three significant types: wood, propane, and gel.
