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 End the day with s’mores and a glass of wine next to a bonfire on the beach, set up by the inn’s staff year-round, depending on the weather. Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2024 Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, Coronado, California A campfire isn’t complete without a ghost story, and this oceanfront National Historic Landmark resort boasts not only its own resident ghost, Kate Morgan, but a Ghost Roast bonfire on the beach with s’mores. Kathryn Romeyn, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 July 2024 Do not build campfires or bonfires, light off fireworks, or fly kites on beaches where plovers and terns nest. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2024 Mosquitoes are a part of our natural environment, but nobody wants their bites to interrupt quality time spent hiking in the great outdoors or enjoying an evening bonfire on the beach. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 July 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 26 Jul. 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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