bonfire

noun

bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce bonfire (audio)
: a large fire built in the open air

Examples of bonfire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The foiling of the plot is now celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes—all to symbolize the capture and punishment of the conspirators. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The Library of Congress says the Celts lighting of bonfires attracted insects, and thus the winged acrobats that gobbles them up. Brittany Anas, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 At this time of year, this means sipping a pumpkin spice latte, watching Gilmore Girls, or attending a bonfire. Neha Tandon, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2024 There’s the beach life teen drama about the Kooks versus the Pogues and how nobody can share a wave or attend the same bonfire without fighting because of classism and, well, hormones. Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bonfire 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bonfire was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near bonfire

Cite this Entry

“Bonfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonfire. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bonfire

noun
bon·​fire ˈbän-ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce bonfire (audio)
: a large outdoor fire

More from Merriam-Webster on bonfire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!