Bonfire

/ˈbɒn.faɪər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A large open-air fire used for informal disposal of burnable waste material or for celebration.

We gathered around the bonfire on the beach to roast marshmallows.

A fire lit on the occasion of a celebration, often involving festivities.

The community organized a bonfire to celebrate the end of summer.

A fire used as a signal, especially in the wilderness.

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.

Big gathering of friends around a fire.

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

A party that involves a fire.

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