bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce bonfire (audio)
Synonyms of bonfirenext
: a large fire built in the open air

Examples of bonfire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ban prohibits most outdoor fires, including those for trash disposal, yard debris, land clearing, bonfires, and campfires not contained in structures such as fire rings. — Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026 Fundamentally, the protest in Delhi amounted to a carnivalesque bonfire of Brand Modi. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026 The resort features a 2,000-foot private beach for days spent in the sun and evening beach bonfires during the summer. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 2026 The property’s cold-weather setup—with igloos and seasonal programming, like holiday light trails and courtyard bonfires—offers a slower side of Montauk that most summer visitors never see. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bonfire

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bonfire was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bonfire

See All Rhymes for bonfire

Browse Nearby Words

boneyard
bonfire
Bonfire Night
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bonfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonfire. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bonfire

noun
bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce bonfire (audio)
: a large outdoor fire

More from Merriam-Webster on bonfire

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bonfire

Nglish: Translation of bonfire for Spanish Speakers

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