bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce bonfire (audio)
Synonyms of bonfirenext
: 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.
There’s always a huge bonfire to warm up by, as well as a beer garden, various food trucks and tables featuring local vendors and nonprofit organizations selling delicious treats. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 Here, a festive bonfire, live music and á la carte access to the restaurant’s full food and bar menu (including the Mongolian BBQ) await. Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2026 The event will feature a live concert by Four Shillings Short, poetry and folklore for the Celtic bonfire festival of spring. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2026 Amenities include two restaurants, an indoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, bike rentals, a bonfire pit, a sandy beach, and an activity room with crafts. Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 19 Jan. 2026 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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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