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

When summer turned to winter in Little Moreau Park, folks gathered around the frozen lake in their vehicles and threw wooden pallets on the ice to make a bonfire. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Her humdrum life gives way to beach bonfires at sunset (lensed by Tudor Vladimir Panduru and Fabian Gamper in stunning dusky blues and pinks) and skinny-dipping in the river. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Sunset cruises, private cabana and daybed rentals, and private group beach experiences ranging from bonfires to boat cruises are also available for an additional fee. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

There’s also a $420 bundle that comes with a lid and weather-proof bonfire shelter. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 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