eternal flame

American  

[ih-tur-nl fleym] / ɪˈtɜr nl ˈfleɪm /

noun

1. a contained fire ignited ceremonially and kept burning, usually in a public place and as a perpetual memorial or symbol.

   On our trip to the United States we visited the grave of President John F. Kennedy, where there is an eternal flame.

   The Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima features an eternal flame symbolizing the hope for a world free of nuclear weapons.

2. a fire ignited naturally or accidentally, sometimes burning underground, and fueled by deposits of coal or natural gas that keep it from going out.

   At the Burning Mountain in Australia, an eternal flame has been slowly burning underground for 6,000 years.

---

Etymology

Origin of eternal flame

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Whenever she is at Liverpool's home ground, she visits the eternal flame memorial to think about all of those who lost their lives.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2024

In a circular room, pilgrims meditate before the eternal flame.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2023

Mr. Biden watched the laying of a wreath and rekindled the eternal flame in the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem.

From Washington Times • Jul. 13, 2022

At a memorial ceremony, Mr. Biden is expected to rekindle the eternal flame and lay a wreath.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2022

They seem to have this eternal flame of hope.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed