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:
Examples of wildfire in a Sentence
The recent wildfires were made worse by the strong winds.
Recent Examples on the Web
Late Friday, however, state officials adopted a new structure for the emissions program, called cap-and-invest, that analysts say will likely reduce wildfire mitigation funding by $200 million per year.
—
Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Florida’s been facing its worst drought in decades, along a rash of wildfires.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Severe weather such as droughts and wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, can occur without warning and saddle operators with unexpected costs.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 May 2026
On responses to wildfires, Durazo wants to see greater investment in early warning systems, pre-position resources, and ensure that recovery is equitable.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for wildfire
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Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Florida’s been facing its worst drought in decades, along a rash of wildfires.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Severe weather such as droughts and wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, can occur without warning and saddle operators with unexpected costs.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 May 2026
On responses to wildfires, Durazo wants to see greater investment in early warning systems, pre-position resources, and ensure that recovery is equitable.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 29 May 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 3 Jun. 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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