brushfire

1 of 2

adjective

brush·​fire ˈbrəsh-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce brushfire (audio)
: involving mobilization only on a small and local scale
brushfire border wars

brush fire

2 of 2

noun

1
: a fire involving low-growing plants (such as scrub and brush)
2
: a minor conflict or crisis
putting out political brush fires

Examples of brushfire 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.
Noun
Officers in Azusa, California have arrested a man suspected of arson following a brush fire that broke out in Pioneer Park. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Jan. 2025 The Getty Villa The world-famous art museum has so far remained safe, according to a Jan. 8 announcement on its website, although a small brush fire burned trees and vegetation on the property. Jason Lalljee, Axios, 10 Jan. 2025 California State Parks announced Friday the arrest of Gloria Lynn Mandich, 60, in connection with a brush fire that ignited near Leo Carrillo State Park in Los Angeles County. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 One of the most devastating Los Angeles fires in recent history As crews battled infernos across Los Angeles County Wednesday evening, yet another brush fire erupted. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for brushfire 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1954, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brushfire was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near brushfire

brushed

brushfire

brush fire

Cite this Entry

“Brushfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brushfire. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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