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)
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 Department of Angels is a nonprofit organization that advocates for wildfire survivors.
—
Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
That blend of players yielded the team’s first playoff victory, a trouncing of the Minnesota Vikings in the wake of a turbulent week of wildfires in Los Angeles.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Fortunately, California should be clear of water supply risks and wildfire danger for several months to come, Swain said, but in the long term, residents should expect to see more of this weather whiplash.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Permit and plan check fees associated with the repair or reconstruction of homes damaged or destroyed by the wildfires have been paused since April 2025.
—City News Service, Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
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Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
That blend of players yielded the team’s first playoff victory, a trouncing of the Minnesota Vikings in the wake of a turbulent week of wildfires in Los Angeles.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Fortunately, California should be clear of water supply risks and wildfire danger for several months to come, Swain said, but in the long term, residents should expect to see more of this weather whiplash.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Permit and plan check fees associated with the repair or reconstruction of homes damaged or destroyed by the wildfires have been paused since April 2025.
—City News Service, Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
Cite this Entry
“Wildfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildfire. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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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