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

The problem with wildfires — unlike hurricanes or earthquakes — is that humans can directly influence them. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

As of Thursday morning, 533 personnel were on scene to fight the wildfire. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 July 2026

Terrifying video shows a train trapped in one of the wildfires. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 16 July 2026

Dangers from wildfire smoke Smoke is made up of tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into a person's lungs and even enter the bloodstream. — Ava Berger, NPR, 16 July 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