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

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

Thomas knew early on that the show, which portrays solved crimes in a whodunit format, should feel like storytelling around a campfire, according to senior producer Vince Sherry.

From The Wall Street Journal

He added: "There's a substantial element within the visiting community who don't want to pay for anything, won't use the infrastructure, dump their waste into the verges and cause wildfires with the campfires and barbecues."

From BBC

She had never hiked up a snow-capped mountain with a bedroll strapped to her back, or pitched a tent in a monsoon, or gathered wood for a campfire over which to prepare her morning tea.

From Literature

Related Words

• blaze
• bonfire
• heat
• inferno