wildfire

noun

wild·​fire ˈwī(-ə)ld-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: a sweeping and destructive conflagration especially in a wilderness or a rural area

2

: greek fire

3

: a phosphorescent glow (such as ignis fatuus or fox fire)

4

: a destructive leaf-spot disease of tobacco caused by several strains of a bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae)

Phrases

like wildfire

: very rapidly

the news spread like wildfire

Examples of wildfire in a Sentence

The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate because of the ongoing wildfires. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025

Advertisement In a separate statement released Thursday, the FAA warned against flying drones near the wildfires. —Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

World Central Kitchen World Central Kitchen's relief team is able to support those impacted by the wildfires, as well as first responders, in Southern California. —Lauren Meltzer, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025

Those interested in offering free or discounted accommodations to people affected by the wildfires can sign up to be a host at Airbnb.org. —Michelle Baran, AFAR Media, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wildfire

• spread like wildfire

Kids Definition

wildfire

noun

wild·​fire ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌfī(ə)r 

: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area