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
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.
Go crabbing, clamming, hiking, or mushroom foraging with a guide, head out for a fat-tire bike ride, or enjoy a beach bonfire, already set up for you, for the coziest way to end a day on the coast. Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025 Get your patio ready for football watch parties, cozy bonfires, and cool morning coffee dates with furniture from Better Homes & Gardens' new Ezra Patio Collection at Walmart. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025 Shot at the real-life Flintham Hall manor house, cinematographer Sean Bobbitt’s camera glides around lush setpieces ranging from a shadowy hedge maze to a swimming lake and an unwieldy bonfire. Abby Monteil, Them., 28 Oct. 2025 The suspect accused in the Alabama bonfire shooting that left three injured and a cheerleader dead now faces a murder charge. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025 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 31 Oct. 2025.

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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