bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: a large fire built in the open air

Examples of bonfire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Keep the beach party going once the sun has set with a summer bonfire. — Adeline Duff, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

Ginger offers a spicy, citrus-like tang, while woods ground the scent and give a fiery, bonfire-like element. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Freestanding fireplaces, fire bowls, chimeneas, even tabletop bonfires can deliver a smores-worthy night out at home. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

It is supposed to be a great beach party with a bonfire, but it gets rained out, and they are all huddled under an awning wearing too much body glitter and eating from a greige buffet. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bonfire

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar

Kids Definition

bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(ə)r 

: a large outdoor fire