Definition of 'bonfire'

Word Frequency

bonfire

(bɒnfaɪəʳ )

Word forms: plural bonfires

countable noun

A bonfire is a fire that is made outdoors, usually to burn rubbish. Bonfires are also sometimes lit as part of a celebration.

With bonfires outlawed in urban areas, gardeners must cart their refuse to a dump.

They celebrated the event by holding parades, lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks.

Video: pronunciation of 'bonfire'

Word Frequency

bonfire in British

(ˈbɒnˌfaɪə )

noun

a large outdoor fire

Word origin of 'bonfire'

C15: alteration (through influence of French bon good) of bone-fire; from the use of bones as fuel

Word Frequency

bonfire in American

(ˈbɑnˌfaɪr ; bänˈfīrˌ)

noun

a large fire built outdoors

Word origin of 'bonfire'

ME banefyre, lit., bone fire; later, funeral pyre

Example sentences containing 'bonfire'

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Of course, you could just make a bonfire with all the reports into housing in the past decade to keep warm. Times, Sunday Times (2016)What is lacking is the match to set the bonfire alight. Times, Sunday Times (2013)When you taste your rabbit roasted on a bonfire it will make the whole process worth it. Times, Sunday Times (2010)When the coalition government came to power last year it promised a spectacular bonfire of the quangos. Times, Sunday Times (2011)They have also said that they want to have a big bonfire on fireworks night. Times, Sunday Times (2007)These fantastic recipes are sure to set your bonfire party off with a bang. The Sun (2013)New weights and measures regulations will soon make a bonfire of many existing controls. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Time to throw another quango on the bonfire. The Sun (2014)But this is not your local village bonfire night outfit. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The second reason for having a bonfire in your garden is pretty much the opposite of the first. Times, Sunday Times (2007)On the beach greet the lengthening days by giving up your lantern to be burnt on the bonfire. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Where the law stands There are no bylaws prohibiting garden bonfires. Times, Sunday Times (2006)It had been raining, so he used the petrol to help set the bonfire alight. Times, Sunday Times (2013)You may make a handle of it, or you may throw it on the bonfire of scoured rubbish. George Eliot Daniel Deronda (1876)In the autumn, the plant dries up and is hollow so is great for burning on the bonfire. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Yet these are but fireworks while the flames of the England bonfire continue to burn with no one to douse them. Times, Sunday Times (2015)He once accidentally burnt a cub alive in his garden bonfire; the experience traumatised him and finds its way into the book. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The washing may need to be put away, but he will clear all the waste from the garden and build a large bonfire. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Each morning a young mother and son swept the road, sorted valuable litter into bags and made small bonfires of rubbish at intervals. Hyland, Paul Indian Balm - Travels in the Southern Subcontinent (1994)