campfire

American  

[kamp-fahy^uhr] / ˈkæmpˌfaɪər /

noun

1. an outdoor fire for warmth or cooking, as at a camp.

2. a gathering around such a fire.

3. a reunion of soldiers, scouts, etc.

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campfire British  

/ ˈkæmpˌfaɪə /

noun

1. an outdoor fire in a camp, esp one used for cooking or as a focal point for community events

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Etymology

Origin of campfire

First recorded in 1665–75; camp ¹ + fire

Example Sentences

I dream of lizards, dark skies, sand dunes and sunsets streaked in rose-mauve and smoky violet, the air heavy with the scent of wet creosote and campfire smoke.

From Los Angeles Times

Dirty from camping, with his rubber boots covered in mud and his wool shirt smelling like campfire, Voight pulled Crandell aside.

From Literature

A lightning strike, downed power lines, improperly extinguished campfires and other events can spark wildfires.

From Los Angeles Times

Four years before she arrived, the Kinneloa fire, sparked by a campfire, erupted in the same mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

Forest officials will, at times, limit campfires and stove usage because of elevated wildfire risk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blaze
• bonfire
• heat
• inferno