wildfire
noun
wild·fire
ˈwī(-ə)ld-ˌfī(-ə)r 
1
: a sweeping and destructive conflagration especially in a wilderness or a rural area
2
3
: a phosphorescent glow (such as ignis fatuus or fox fire)
4
: a destructive leaf-spot disease of tobacco caused by several strains of a bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae)
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Examples of wildfire in a Sentence
The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
Recent Examples on the Web
The state's overall wildfire preparedness level was bumped up to Level 2—the second-lowest level on a five-point scale— after starting the day at Level 1.
—
Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 16 May 2026
The delay would give a reprieve to lower-income areas that lack resources and other neighborhoods with high wildfire risk, historic structures or vulnerability to sea-level rise, according to David Garrick of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
What was once an obscure down-ballot statewide office has surged to the forefront of millions of homeowners’ minds in recent years as insurance companies have raised rates or canceled policies as the threat of wildfires has surged.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
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Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 16 May 2026
The delay would give a reprieve to lower-income areas that lack resources and other neighborhoods with high wildfire risk, historic structures or vulnerability to sea-level rise, according to David Garrick of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
What was once an obscure down-ballot statewide office has surged to the forefront of millions of homeowners’ minds in recent years as insurance companies have raised rates or canceled policies as the threat of wildfires has surged.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
Cite this Entry
“Wildfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildfire. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wildfire
noun
wild·fire
ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌfī(ə)r
: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area
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