How to Pronounce Bonfire

To pronounce "bonfire", say BONF-ir-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈbɒnˌfaɪ.ə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

bonfire

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈbɒnˌfaɪ.ə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “bonfire”

"bonfire" has 3 syllables: bonf-ir-e. It rhymes with desire and acquire, if that helps it stick.

What does bonfire mean?

noun

  1. A fire in which bones are burned.
  2. A fire to burn unwanted or disreputable items or people: proscribed books, heretics etc.

verb

  1. To fire (pottery) using a bonfire.
  2. To make, or celebrate around, a bonfire.

Hear “bonfire” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with bonfire

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

desireacquirepyrepriorsirefirequagmireenquirerequiresatiretranspireattire

Related words

balefireblazepyretorchburningfirefireplacecampfire

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "bonfire"?▾

"Bonfire" has 3 syllables: bonf · ir · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "bonfire"?▾

The IPA transcription of "bonfire" is /ˈbɒnˌfaɪ.ə/.

What does "bonfire" mean?▾

Bonfire: A fire in which bones are burned.

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