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

The resort features a 2,000-foot private beach for days spent in the sun and evening beach bonfires during the summer. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 2026

The property’s cold-weather setup—with igloos and seasonal programming, like holiday light trails and courtyard bonfires—offers a slower side of Montauk that most summer visitors never see. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Now, the focus was on comfort, and clothes that could withstand long hikes and full days in the sun before returning back to our beautiful stay at Willow House for late-night bonfires. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 13 July 2026

This luxury glamping experience includes nightly bonfires, fishing, river tubing, and access to a wellness studio, as well as meals at the on-site Meander restaurant. — Tree Meinch, Midwest Living, 11 July 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