Recent Examples on the WebDown the coastal boulevard of Al-Rashid Street, eyewitnesses said that by nightfall, thousands of people had gathered, clustered around bonfires.—Leila Sackur, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2024 This year's plungers braved relatively tame temperatures compared to many previous years, and many enjoyed time with friends and family in tents and at bonfires on the beach before and after the plunge.—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 The Thule Society traced the Aryan race to a lost continent made of ice, while the Tannenberg Foundation, founded by General Erich Ludendorff, sought relief from the exigencies of modern life in the forests outside Munich by lighting bonfires and sacrificing horses in honor of Thor.—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024 But Sunday's crowd, around 2 p.m., is thin but for a small bonfire centered in a group of about 20 fans, many clad in Lions jerseys, who have gathered before Sunday’s game.—Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 28 Jan. 2024 Complying with Regulations for Event Safety Event venues differ in several ways - the scale, the number of attendees, the nature of the event, and the presence of open flames (food stalls, fireworks, bonfires, and others).—Kyle Russell, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 Deputies went to the bonfire and spoke to several people, according to the release.—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 15 Feb. 2024 The patchwork of ideas that emerged from the frenzied call included bonfires, house parties and sign-waving events.—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 Beach bonfires and picnics can be arranged for groups in between activities like non-motorized water sports, yoga, board games, tennis, pickleball, hiking, and biking.—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bonfire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire
Share