wildfire

noun

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)
Phrases
like wildfire
: very rapidly
the news spread like wildfire

Examples of wildfire in a Sentence

The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
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.
Materials are selected for their resilience in a variety of climates, ensuring homes perform in regions facing wildfires, storms, or extreme heat. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 One example highlighted by Kurtzig is innovators developing predictive tools for wildfire prevention. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The wildfire has been burning on private land. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Approximately 85% of wildfires are human-caused, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wildfire

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wildfire was in the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wildfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildfire. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

wildfire

noun
: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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