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noun Uncommon

wildfire

WYLD-fy

Wildfire (noun) means a large, fast-moving, uncontrolled fire, especially one burning through forest or grassland. Example: “The wildfire forced thousands of residents to evacuate.”

noun
1
A large, fast-moving, uncontrolled fire, especially one burning through forest or grassland.
"The wildfire forced thousands of residents to evacuate."
2
Anything, such as news or a rumour, that spreads extremely fast and is hard to stop.
"The rumour spread like wildfire across the office by lunchtime."

How to use wildfire

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn out-of-control fire, or figuratively, something that spreads extremely fast.

Common pairings
spread like wildfire wildfire season raging wildfire

Word forms

wildfires plural

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The _____ forced thousands of residents to evacuate.

Etymology

From Old English wilde fȳr, literally "wild fire," originally also referring to a fierce ancient incendiary weapon.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for wildfire

See all rhymes for wildfire →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wildfire” mean?

The word “wildfire” means a large, fast-moving, uncontrolled fire, especially one burning through forest or grassland. In plain terms, an out-of-control fire, or figuratively, something that spreads extremely fast.

How do you pronounce “wildfire”?

“Wildfire” is pronounced WYLD-fy (/ˈwaɪldˌfaɪɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “wildfire” in a sentence?

Here is “wildfire” used in a sentence: “The wildfire forced thousands of residents to evacuate.”

What part of speech is “wildfire”?

“Wildfire” is a noun.

Where does the word “wildfire” come from?

The word “wildfire” comes from Old English. From Old English wilde fȳr, literally "wild fire," originally also referring to a fierce ancient incendiary weapon.

Is “wildfire” a common word?

“Wildfire” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “wildfire” have?

“Wildfire” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, fast-moving, uncontrolled fire, especially one burning through forest or grassland.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial