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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Police said fire crews were called to large number of unauthorised bonfires being lit in Glasgow and they were met with large groups of hostile youths.

From BBC

Each society spends months producing an effigy - or tableau - which are paraded through the streets and then burned at the bonfire sites.

From BBC

A community bonfire event is to take place at the Sandy's Community Centre in nearby Craigmillar.

From BBC

Thousands of people are set to attend the annual bonfire event in Lewes this evening.

From BBC

Related Words

• conflagration