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 Sand chairs are provided with general admission and family packages are available for beach bonfires with s’mores. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2024 The family wore traditional outfits, Mr. Gomez and his sisters performed a dance around a bonfire and explained their culture and language. James Wagner Federico Rios, New York Times, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for bonfire 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bonfire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 1 Jun. 2024.

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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