Bondfire vs. Bonfire: The Correct Spellings

Bondfire is a common misspelling of the word bonfire. This spelling error probably arises from the phonetic similarity between the “d” and the “n” when spoken quickly, leading to the misinterpretation and thus, the incorrect spelling.

Bonfire originated from the Middle English word 'bonefire,' referring originally to a large open-air fire on which bones were burnt, often as part of a celebration or ritual. It now generally refers to any large fire built outdoors. The history of bonfires spans across various cultures, symbolizing different traditions, celebrations, and rituals, such as during Halloween or Guy Fawkes Night.

Remembering the correct spelling, bonfire, can be aided by focusing on the “n” in the word, distinguishing it from the incorrect “d” in bondfire. A helpful trick is to break the word down to 'bon' + 'fire' where 'bon' can be remembered by associating it with the French word for good, ‘bon,’ as bonfires are often associated with good times and celebrations.

Incorrect: Remember to keep the bondfire under control to prevent forest fires.

Correct: Remember to keep the bonfire under control to prevent forest fires.

Incorrect: We are going to have a bondfire on the beach tonight.

Correct: We are going to have a bonfire on the beach tonight.

Incorrect: They gathered around the bondfire to sing and tell stories.

Correct: They gathered around the bonfire to sing and tell stories.

Incorrect: Can you bring some wood for the bondfire?

Correct: Can you bring some wood for the bonfire?

Incorrect: The bondfire was visible from miles away.

Correct: The bonfire was visible from miles away.

A fire built outdoors, usually large and used for ceremonial purposes.

A substantial outdoor fire constructed to dispose of waste material.

A fire created outside for recreational or celebratory events.

A large open-air fire used for burning waste or as a celebration.

A large, controlled outdoor fire, utilized for entertainment or communal gatherings.

A large fire built outdoors, as for signaling or in celebration of an event.

A large, controlled outdoor fire lit to celebrate something or as a signal.

A fire lit outdoors to burn unwanted items; originally (historical), heretics or other offenders, or banned books; now, generally agricultural or garden waste, or rubbish.

(figuratively) Something like a bonfire (sense 1 or 2) in heat, destructiveness, ferocity, etc.

(obsolete) A fire lit to cremate a dead body; a funeral pyre.

(transitive)

To destroy (something) by, or as if by, burning on a bonfire; (more generally) to burn or set alight.

(ceramics) To fire (pottery) using a bonfire.

(obsolete) To start a bonfire in (a place); to light up (a place) with a bonfire.

To make, or celebrate around, a bonfire.

A large fire built in the open air, as an expression of public joy and exultation, or for amusement.

a large outdoor fire

The warmth of the bonfire kept us cozy despite the chilly air.

The bonfire lit up the entire beach, making the night feel magical.

The tradition of building a bonfire on the last day of summer camp was everyone's favorite.

People brought guitars to the bonfire, and soon everyone was singing along.

She looked forward to the annual bonfire where the community came together.

The heat from the bonfire was so intense, we had to move our chairs back.

We roasted marshmallows over the bonfire and made s'mores.

Friends and family gathered around the bonfire, sharing stories and laughter.

The scouts learned how to safely start and extinguish a bonfire.

The bonfire was a perfect backdrop for the beach party, illuminating the night.

The bonfire crackled and popped, casting shadows on the faces around it.

Building the bonfire took some effort, but it was worth it for the beautiful fire.

The bonfire on New Year's Eve was a tradition to welcome the new year.

They danced around the bonfire, celebrating the end of the harvest season.

Safety precautions were taken to ensure the bonfire did not spread to the nearby trees.

The bonfire was built on the shore, reflecting its light on the water.

The bonfire was constructed to be environmentally friendly, using only clean wood.

Gathering wood for the bonfire was a team effort, involving everyone in the preparation.

The warmth of the bonfire brought everyone closer, sharing warmth and camaraderie.

Marshmallows on sticks were passed around, ready to be toasted over the bonfire.

As the bonfire burned down, the embers glowed like stars fallen to the earth.

The bonfire party was the highlight of the winter festival.

After the bonfire, they carefully doused the flames, leaving no trace behind.

The bonfire served as a signal for the start of the festivities.

As the bonfire flickered, it cast a warm glow over the gathered friends.

A celebration in the UK on November 5th with fireworks and bonfires to remember Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot.

To add fuel to a bonfire to increase its size or intensity.

To start a large, controlled outdoor fire for warmth or entertainment.

To come together around a large fire, often for socializing.

To add materials to a bonfire, either literally or metaphorically to increase its effect.

The act of constructing a large, controlled fire outdoors.

To remain seated close to a bonfire, enjoying its warmth and light.

To put out the fire of a bonfire completely for safety.

A customary practice involving the lighting of bonfires during certain celebrations or events.

A historical event where items considered sinful were burned, or a metaphor for destructive moral cleansing.

To move rhythmically around a large outdoor fire, often as part of a celebration.

The remains of a bonfire, consisting of ash and partially burned materials.

Stories told around a bonfire, often ghost stories or personal anecdotes.

The small, bright particles emitted from a bonfire as wood burns.

A metaphor describing intense, possibly conflicting emotions.

The heat generated by a bonfire, appreciated during cold nights.

To add more fuel to maintain or increase the fire's size.

The distinctive, smoky scent produced by a bonfire.

The warm, illuminating light emitted by a bonfire.

To observe the flames of a bonfire, often finding it mesmerizing or thought-provoking.

Yes, the term bonfire now generally encompasses any large, controlled fire built outdoors, whether for waste disposal, ceremonial, or entertainment purposes.

The word bonfire originates from Middle English ‘bonefire,’ initially implying a fire on which bones were burnt, and has evolved to denote any large outdoor fire.

Remembering bonfire can be aided by associating the ‘bon’ with the French word for good, ‘bon,’ and remembering that it is followed by ‘fire,’ as in ‘bon’ + ‘fire.’

Indeed, the term bonfire is widely associated with celebrations, communal gatherings, and rituals across various cultures.

No, bonfire is correctly spelled with an “n,” the spelling bondfire with a “d” is incorrect, likely due to a phonetic misunderstanding.

Yes, bonfires are often integral to ceremonial events in various cultures, symbolizing purification, transformation, and communal unity.

The incorrect spelling, bondfire, doesn’t alter the meaning of the word but can lead to misunderstandings and is a common error based on phonetic similarities.

Yes, bonfires have historical significance and are found in the traditions, rituals, and celebrations of various cultures, symbolizing different meanings and purposes.

Absolutely, bonfires are commonly used for the disposal of waste materials, especially agricultural waste, due to their ability to handle large quantities.

Certainly, it is imperative to observe safety precautions when creating a bonfire to prevent accidents and uncontrolled fires, ensuring the wellbeing of individuals and the environment.