inferno

noun

in·​fer·​no in-ˈfər-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce inferno (audio)
plural infernos
Synonyms of inferno
: a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell
the inferno of war
also : an intense fire : conflagration
a raging inferno

Synonyms of inferno

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Examples of inferno in a Sentence

By the time help arrived, the fire had grown to a raging inferno. the intense heat of the raging inferno repeatedly drove back the firefighters
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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.
Charming, impulsive, and incapable of leaving a wound alone, Rodney is the sibling most likely to turn a spark into an inferno. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026 Bronx firefighters rescued a small child from a massive five-alarm inferno Wednesday sparked by an explosion that took one life and left 14 others with serious injuries, FDNY officials said. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 That flash of frustration bursts into a soul-consuming inferno when her life plan goes up in flames a few hours later. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 One minute we were thrown up on a crest and could see the inferno of foaming water stretching away on all sides. — James D. Oxley, Outdoor Life, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inferno

Word History

Etymology

Italian, hell, from Late Latin infernus

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inferno was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

infernal machine
inferno
infero-
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Cite this Entry

“Inferno.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inferno. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inferno

noun
in·​fer·​no in-ˈfər-nō How to pronounce inferno (audio)
plural infernos
: a place or state that resembles or suggests hell especially in great heat or raging fire
Etymology

from Italian inferno "underworld, hell," from Latin infernus (same meaning), from earlier infernus (adjective) "lying beneath, in the lower regions"

More from Merriam-Webster on inferno

Nglish: Translation of inferno for Spanish Speakers

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