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 delay would affect low-income areas with scant resources and other neighborhoods facing challenges like high wildfire risk, historic structures or vulnerability to sea-level rise. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

That frustration rings especially true in Colorado, where insurance premiums have been climbing thanks to escalating wildfire and weather risks, a concern the Hippo report identifies as a major pressure point across the Mountain region. —Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 May 2026

With a global El Niño weather pattern, the MPCA predicts warmer and drier conditions this summer, with the potential for elevated local fire activity and 12 to 16 days affected by wildfire smoke. —Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026

Cal Fire and partner agencies used the wildfire preparedness event in Santa Rosa on Thursday to highlight coordination across Northern California before flames break out. —Kenny Choi, CBS News, 8 May 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