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.
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 But the island’s class divide isn’t just about dirt bike races for glory and bonfire fistfights anymore. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026 Add a Heat Source Making s’mores and gathering around a bonfire might be the coziest fall activity there is. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 There may be fewer seafood cookouts and bonfires, but the weather is lovely and there’s still plenty to do. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 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 1 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bonfire

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