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
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.
As Christmas trees were incinerated in a giant bonfire in Ogden Dunes, Daina Lattimer and her daughter Vaiva Lattimer, 11, watched. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025 Some of Wenzel's favorite memories with Megan were made that summer, trying new coffee shops in downtown Waukesha, hiking the Seven Bridges Trail, gazing at the northern lights and hosting bonfires. Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024 That evening, the two of us had a five-course dinner under the stars, surrounded by the light of tiki torches and a bonfire; a guitarist provided the perfect mellow soundtrack. Maria Diego, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2024 Over a million portable bonfires have been sold around the world, and the company has expanded to include s'mores kits in their shop. Eric Noll, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near bonfire

Cite this Entry

“Bonfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonfire. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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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