wildfire

noun

wild·​fire ˈwī(-ə)ld-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

: a sweeping and destructive conflagration especially in a wilderness or a rural area

2

: greek fire

3

: a phosphorescent glow (such as ignis fatuus or fox fire)

4

: a destructive leaf-spot disease of tobacco caused by several strains of a bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae)

see also:

like wildfire

Examples of wildfire in a Sentence

The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wildfire risks rising In many locations, meteorologists are also concerned about rising wildfire risk due to drier-than-normal and warmer-than-normal temperatures, as well as the arrival of spring weather. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 5 Mar. 2026

The unit would serve as a hub for wildfire technology research and deployment. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Poway residents had a sneak peek of plans by wildfire prevention officials to prepare them for a new program that aims to make homes safer and aligned with insurance requirements. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Even with recent rainfall, county leaders say dry fuels remain a concern and can allow wildfires to spread rapidly. —Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wildfire

• like wildfire
• spread like wildfire

Rhymes for wildfire

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

Kids Definition

wildfire

noun

wild·​fire ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌfī(ə)r 

: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area