bonfire

noun

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

Examples of bonfire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cultural celebrations across the globe mark this milestone, from the gathering at Stonehenge (catch the livestream here) to the mountaintop bonfires in Austrian Tyrol. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2024 The picture shows Bingham and Harrison in clad jeans, muck boots, and matching camouflage jackets, kissing in front of a soaring bonfire. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 2 June 2024 The companies that stage picnics and bonfires are now prohibited from doing so on all city beaches. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2024 Sand chairs are provided with general admission and family packages are available for beach bonfires with s’mores. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for bonfire 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bonfire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near bonfire

Cite this Entry

“Bonfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonfire. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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