inferno

noun

in·​fer·​no in-ˈfər-(ˌ)nō 

plural infernos

: a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell

the inferno of war

also : an intense fire : conflagration

a raging inferno

Synonyms of inferno

• fire

Examples of inferno in a Sentence

By the time help arrived, the fire had grown to a raging inferno.

the intense heat of the raging inferno repeatedly drove back the firefighters

Recent Examples on the Web

Videos taken at the scene show Spoelstra standing near the fire, visibly distressed, as firefighters worked to contain the inferno. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

As flames raged and doors melted shut, people jumped from windows and ran, some employees helping shield others from the growing inferno at the recycling plant, according to its owner. —Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

After it was revealed that Vince didn't make it out of the inferno, his son Bode (Max Thieriot) and wife Sharon (Diane Farr) were devastated by the loss. —Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Officials have yet to say what may have caused the inferno. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, hell, from Late Latin infernus

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inferno

noun

in·​fer·​no in-ˈfər-nō 

plural infernos

: a place or state that resembles or suggests hell especially in great heat or raging fire

Etymology

from Italian inferno "underworld, hell," from Latin infernus (same meaning), from earlier infernus (adjective) "lying beneath, in the lower regions"