bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: a large fire built in the open air

Examples of bonfire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every few days there’s a communal dinner in the boma, which starts with a welcome performance from the team around a bonfire. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

The event in Poland saw 45 of the brand’s global community of creators, adventurers and wearers arrive in the country for an invite-only Well Worn Blundstone bonfire, as part of the brand’s Well Worn campaign. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

The arc of this feud is now well known to all and will no doubt be shaped into the epic poetry our descendants recite in front of bonfires long after our civilization collapses. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

That night, bonfires were set for a party that lasted into the morning. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bonfire

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar

Kids Definition

bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(ə)r 

: a large outdoor fire