Meaning & Definition of Bonfire in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A large and controlled outdoor fire, often used for disposal of waste or for celebration.

  Example Sentence: We gathered around the bonfire to roast marshmallows and tell stories.

• Definition: A fire built to celebrate a special event or occasion.

  Example Sentence: They lit a bonfire to celebrate the end of summer.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: hoguera

• French: feu de joie

• German: Lagerfeuer

• Russian: костёр

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of bonfire

• 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!