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
Notwithstanding Michelin Guide’s 2020 pause in ratings due to the pandemic and wildfires, Providence held two stars every year since the guide’s return to L.A.
—
Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
The cost of weather disasters in the U.S. has skyrocketed in the last decade, as climate change causes more intense weather and populations grow in areas that are at high risk for hurricanes, wildfires and other destructive events.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 26 June 2025
The governor also said the wildfires in Los Angeles, which ravaged entire neighborhoods, took an economic toll on the state and forced state and federal officials to delay tax deadlines in the county.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
That's why the Denver Broncos offensive lineman teamed up with USAA and Team Rubicon to help protect Eagle Next Ranch in Colorado from wildfires earlier this week.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
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Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
The cost of weather disasters in the U.S. has skyrocketed in the last decade, as climate change causes more intense weather and populations grow in areas that are at high risk for hurricanes, wildfires and other destructive events.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 26 June 2025
The governor also said the wildfires in Los Angeles, which ravaged entire neighborhoods, took an economic toll on the state and forced state and federal officials to delay tax deadlines in the county.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
That's why the Denver Broncos offensive lineman teamed up with USAA and Team Rubicon to help protect Eagle Next Ranch in Colorado from wildfires earlier this week.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 26 June 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 5 Jul. 2025.
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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