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.
And speaking of deliciousness, a bonfire dinner on Calico’s deck easily closes the deal on a great day on the cay. Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 The last day of the shoot was by the bonfire, and all of that was put together from the junkyard. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025 Large public gatherings feature bonfires, choirs singing traditional songs and fireworks. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 Now, an exhibition at the Jane Austen House in the English village of Chawton has assembled the largest public display of Cassandra’s artworks for a reconsideration of her legacy beyond the bonfire. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bonfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bonfire. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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

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