Dictionary

wildfire

noun wild·fire \-ˌfī(-ə)r\

: a fire in a wild area (such as a forest) that is not controlled and that can burn a large area very quickly

Full Definition of WILDFIRE

: a sweeping and destructive conflagration especially in a wilderness or a rural area

: a phosphorescent glow (as ignis fatuus or fox fire)

: a destructive leaf-spot disease of tobacco caused by several strains of a bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae)

— like wildfire

: very rapidly <the news spread like wildfire>

See wildfire defined for English-language learners

See wildfire defined for kids

12th century

LIKE WILDFIRE Defined for Kids

noun wild·fire \ˈwīld-ˌfīr\

: an uncontrollable fire that destroys a wide area

Next Word in the Dictionary: wild flagPrevious Word in the Dictionary: wild figAll Words Near: wildfire

What made you want to look up wildfire? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears