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.
At Auntie Luba’s Kitchen, a rustic kitchen that’s across the street from the hotel and overlooks the Placencia Lagoon, regional fare like curry chicken and conch fritters are served family-style—and meals end with a bonfire. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 Video showed locals draped in Spanish flags, shouting anti-migrant slogans, and singing Spanish songs, torching the camp and throwing migrants’ belongings in the Mediterranean or into bonfires. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 While establishing a perimeter for the K-9, a trooper approached a residence on Trask Road and saw two men sitting by a bonfire in the front yard. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 The lodge is open all year round, with activities like horseback riding, summer evening bonfires, and UTV-ing for guests during warmer weather, and snowmobiling in the winter. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

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