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.
In fact, a new top for ushering in more time spent cheering on your favorite team or toasting marshmallows around a bonfire is time and money well spent. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025 State Beach has ample parking, public facilities, beachside eateries, picnic areas, walking and biking paths and more than 200 free fire pits for beachside bonfires. Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 Warm up by a bonfire with pumpkin cake, pumpkin spice nitro coffee, and plenty of other homemade fall treats. Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Campfire Song At Rusty’s Lakeside Pub in Scottsville, Kentucky, with the cooler weather, everyone is ready for football, jeans, and bonfires. Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 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 29 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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