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.

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Etymology

Origin of eternal flame

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

I like Bobby — he was my favorite ballplayer to cover — and Bobby Bonilla Day is sort of like his eternal flame.

From Washington Times • Nov. 21, 2023

During the ceremonial welcome, King Charles performed the re-kindling of the eternal flame using the Comite de la Flamme passed to him by Mr Macron.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2023

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

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2022

It reminded me of the eternal flame they’d put on John F. Kennedy’s grave that will never go out no matter what.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd