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

In the event of a PSPS, wildfire, or other natural disaster, Cox will post service updates, tips, and other important information on this handle. —Cox Communications, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

This constantly evolving phenomenon of wildfire is really in need of active research so that communities and states and towns are able to be protected. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026

The warming ocean could produce a humid, stormy summer with reduced fog, increased hurricane risk and tropical conditions that stress public health and can increase wildfire. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

Burning time for North American wildfires is going into overtime. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 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