English Reference
noun · verb

blaze

n. · v.
US /ˈbɫeɪz/ UK /blˈeɪz/ blaze UK spelling blazes

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a very large and bright fire that burns strongly.

    n.a large, intense, and fast-burning fire characterized by significant flame and light production.

    Simple

    Firefighters worked through the night to put out the blaze at the old factory.

    In context

    The dry timber in the warehouse acted as fuel, turning a small spark into a massive blaze within minutes.

    infernoconflagrationfire
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.a sudden or very bright light or display of color.

    n.a brilliant or dazzling display of light or color.

    Simple

    The garden was a blaze of color with all the flowers in bloom.

    In context

    The setting sun turned the glass skyscrapers into a blaze of gold that blinded the commuters below.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to burn or shine with a very bright and strong flame.

    v.to burn or shine with intense heat and light; often used intransitively.

    Simple

    A warm fire was blazing in the fireplace when we arrived home.

    In context

    The midday sun blazed down on the desert, making the air ripple with heat.

    flickersmolder
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to shoot a gun many times very quickly.

    v.to fire a gun or series of shots rapidly and continuously.

    Simple

    The soldiers were blazing away at the targets during their morning practice.

    In context

    In the final scene of the movie, the hero comes out with guns blazing to face his enemies.

    Usage

    Often used with 'away'.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Slang

    v.to smoke marijuana.

    v.to consume cannabis by smoking.

    Simple

    They were blazing in the park after the concert ended.

    In context

    The group retreated to the balcony to blaze before the movie started.

Usage blaze broke · blaze found · blazes in the country's

Local officials in Belgium said the blaze remained out of control as of Saturday afternoon.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

This followed a record number of blazes between January and July.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated