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

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

Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle Salt & Stone’s best-selling santal and vetiver scent brings the aroma of a crackling bonfire, minus the excessive smoke inhalation. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

Lord Raghunath, a regional form of Rama, presides over the weeklong festival, which ends with a bonfire symbolizing the burning of Lanka by Rama’s aide Hanuman. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 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