bonfire

American  

[bon-fahy^uhr] / ˈbɒnˌfaɪər /

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.

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bonfire British  

/ ˈbɒnˌfaɪə /

noun

1. a large outdoor fire

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Etymology

Origin of bonfire

1375–1425; late Middle English bone fire, i.e., a fire with bones for fuel

Example Sentences

Derderian said she expects an uptick in potentially dangerous warming bonfires, noting that “in the past, we’ve seen people that will throw firewood into a washing machine drum.”

From Los Angeles Times

She also expects an uptick in warming bonfires — “in the past we’ve seen people that will throw firewood into a washing machine drum” — which can injure bystanders or ignite nearby structures.

From Los Angeles Times

There are no victims—only a bonfire of prominent narcissists.

From The Wall Street Journal

“If this all were to end up in a bonfire of inflation, that would be a complete disaster. But this is not our view,” said Dirk Schumacher, chief economist at KfW.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some people have built bonfires to keep warm.

From Literature

Related Words

• conflagration