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)
Examples of wildfire in a Sentence
The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
Recent Examples on the Web
For journalists who cover natural disasters, here are 3 key things to consider
Disaster reporting is crucial for people affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other events.
—
Shaun McKinnon, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Another study found urban lizards were also more responsive to threatening sounds, such as a wildfire or a kestrel.
—Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
At a lab in Fort Collins, scientists are researching how to incorporate artificial intelligence into the forecasting of hurricane paths and how to better predict storms’ impact on wildfires.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Wind gusts up to 20 mph, coupled with relative humidity levels between 25 and 35 percent, have created the perfect storm for rapid wildfire spread, NWS meteorologists warned.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
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.
Shaun McKinnon, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Another study found urban lizards were also more responsive to threatening sounds, such as a wildfire or a kestrel.
—Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
At a lab in Fort Collins, scientists are researching how to incorporate artificial intelligence into the forecasting of hurricane paths and how to better predict storms’ impact on wildfires.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Wind gusts up to 20 mph, coupled with relative humidity levels between 25 and 35 percent, have created the perfect storm for rapid wildfire spread, NWS meteorologists warned.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 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 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wildfire
noun
wild·fire
ˈwī(ə)l(d)-ˌfī(ə)r
: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share