bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce bonfire (audio)
Synonyms of bonfirenext
: 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.
Activities abound, from an on-site sailing school and nightly bonfires to lawn games, a seasonal kids’ club, a summer roller rink and winter ice rink, and yoga on the beach. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 16 June 2026 Choose to hike as part of a group or privately, add a bonfire, go foraging, or drink wine on your hike. Midwest Living, 15 June 2026 The camp experience includes folk music performances, Uzbek food, archery, and stargazing beside a central bonfire. Shilo Urban, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 His music is great for a bonfire or an emotional roller coaster. David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bonfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonfire. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster