bonfire

[ bon-fahyuhr ]

noun

1. a large fire built in the open air, for warmth, entertainment, or celebration, to burn leaves, garbage, etc., or as a signal.
2. any fire built in the open.

bonfire

/ ˈbɒnˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a large outdoor fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonfire¹

1375–1425; late Middle English bone fire, i.e., a fire with bones for fuel

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonfire¹

C15: alteration (through influence of French bon good) of bone-fire ; from the use of bones as fuel

Example Sentences

Edinburgh Zoo's baby red panda has died from stress caused by fireworks on Bonfire Night, according to veterinary experts.

From BBC

There was widespread disorder across Edinburgh on Bonfire Night - missiles were thrown at police in Gilmerton and Sighthill and there was two instances of attacks on firefighters in the city.

From BBC

Trump’s 2016 victory was the lighter fluid that accelerated a news bonfire, driving ratings and subscription revenue.

From Los Angeles Times

Det Ch Insp George Calder said the force had been "unrelenting" in their pursuit of those responsible for disorder that had put communities "in a state of alarm" on Bonfire Night.

From BBC

On Wednesday Police Scotland confirmed that 19 arrests had been made over disruption across Halloween and Bonfire Night.

From BBC

Related Words

• conflagration