Meaning & Definition of word "Bonfire"

Bonfire

/ˈbɒn.faɪər/

1. A large open-air fire used for informal disposal of burnable waste material or for celebration.
- Example: We gathered around the bonfire on the beach to roast marshmallows.
2. A fire lit on the occasion of a celebration, often involving festivities.
- Example: The community organized a bonfire to celebrate the end of summer.
3. A fire used as a signal, especially in the wilderness.
- Example: The hikers lit a bonfire to signal for help.

Derived from the Middle English 'banefire', meaning 'bone fire', where bones were burned.

bonfire night:

A night of festivities on which bonfires and fireworks are lit, especially in Britain.

burning the midnight oil:

Staying up late to work or study, sometimes metaphorically linked to burning a fire.

firepit:

A structure for containing a fire, used for warmth or cooking outdoors.

campfire:

A fire designed for cooking and warmth in outdoor activities.

roasting:

Cooking food over an open flame.

kindling:

Small sticks or twigs used to start a fire.

Meaning: Big gathering of friends around a fire.

Example Sentence: We're having a bonfire this weekend, it's going to be lit!

Meaning: A party that involves a fire.

Example Sentence: Last night’s bonfire was epic, we stayed up till dawn!