bonfire

[bon-fahy^uhr]

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

Fireworks ban zones in Edinburgh do not fully cover areas that have seen some of the worst bonfire night trouble in recent years, it has emerged.

From BBC

At the start of the season, she risks her life one of many times to retrieve her manuscript from a bonfire, placed there by an unknown stalker.

From Salon

The crowd gathered near Mags's flat, chanting "build a bonfire and put the Haneys on the top".

From BBC

In July the issue of asbestos material made headlines after it emerged a bonfire site in Belfast contained asbestos.

From BBC

Concerns were raised about the hazardous material at the site, between the Donegall Road and the Westlink, in the run up to the lighting of the 11 July bonfires.

From BBC

Related Words

• conflagration