bonfire
Americannoun
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bonfires
plural
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a large fire built in the open air, for warmth, entertainment, or celebration, to burn leaves, garbage, etc., or as a signal.
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any fire built in the open.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of bonfire
1375–1425; late Middle English bone fire, i.e., a fire with bones for fuel
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Fireworks were let off at 22:45 before the bonfire at the Lecky Road was started.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
A man has died after he reportedly fell from an Eleventh Night bonfire in Belfast.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
They now plan to hold a one minute silence for Mr Lyttle before the bonfire is lit at 21:00 BST and have asked attendees to join in with the tribute.
From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026
The bonfire, in Moygashel in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, has featured other controversial displays in the past.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
At midnight, the bonfire is ceremoniously lit, having spent the earlier part of the evening standing empty, appearing to be a simple sculpture of twisted iron.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
Back home in Iowa, Marcus English said he’d probably be hosting bonfires or hitting up local pools in mid- to late August.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
Branches were draped with colourful ribbons and ritual wreaths, while bonfires blazed high, ready for the military brotherhood to gather around them.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
“We’ve been burning our bonfires and our traditions for like forever.”
From Salon ● Aug. 11, 2026
On Saturday and Sunday night, hundreds of bonfires were lit to mark Eleventh night - a tradition observed by many unionist communities on the eve of the Twelfth.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
It’s easy to pick out where the wealthy sectors border the poorest ones—where the steady light from electricity gives way to flickering lanterns, bonfires, and steam power plants.
From "Legend" by Marie Lu
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