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.
Forest walks, lazy lake days, midday swims, and evening bonfires are a part of your regular day. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025 Greenwood State Beach unfolds below the bluff, a crescent of sand often empty but for driftwood piles and the occasional bonfire ring. Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Throw in the beautiful scenery and cityscapes, along with great food, shopping, a dash of college football and bonfires, and all roads lead to Tennessee—now that sounds like a country song in the making. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025 Add in offbeat museums, thriving art and culinary scenes in Providence, and seasonal highlights like the WaterFire bonfires, and Rhode Island proves that small states can deliver big experiences. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 4 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 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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