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
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
The wildfire has been burning on private land.
—
Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026
In the film, Amador (Amador Arias) has just been released from prison for arson, after having started a wildfire that ravaged the local mountains.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Republicans are defending a narrow majority in the House — Democrats need to net just three seats to take back control (a task that could be complicated by the ongoing redistricting wildfire that has swept state legislatures across the country).
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 Jan. 2026
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the second time in a week in parts of Los Angeles County recently burned by wildfires.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
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Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026
In the film, Amador (Amador Arias) has just been released from prison for arson, after having started a wildfire that ravaged the local mountains.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Republicans are defending a narrow majority in the House — Democrats need to net just three seats to take back control (a task that could be complicated by the ongoing redistricting wildfire that has swept state legislatures across the country).
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 Jan. 2026
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the second time in a week in parts of Los Angeles County recently burned by wildfires.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
Cite this Entry
“Wildfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildfire. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wildfire
noun
wild·fire
ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌfī(ə)r
: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area
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