Word
wildfire
Phoneticswild·fire
US/ˈwaɪɫdˌfaɪɝ/
UK/wˈaɪldfaɪə/
Definitions
01forest fire
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large fire that spreads very quickly through a forest, field, or dry grass.
n. an uncontrolled fire occurring in vegetation or wildland areas, often spreading rapidly due to wind and dry conditions.
“The dry summer caused a massive wildfire that destroyed thousands of trees.”
“Emergency services struggled to contain the wildfire as shifting winds pushed the flames toward the residential outskirts of the valley.”
Usage
Often used as a countable noun when referring to specific events, or uncountable when discussing the phenomenon.
Synonyms
02spreading quickly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. used to describe something, like news or a trend, that moves very fast from person to person.
n. a figurative use describing the rapid and uncontrollable propagation of information, rumours, or trends.
“The news of the celebrity's arrival spread like wildfire through the small town.”
“Once the video was posted online, it spread like wildfire across social media platforms, reaching millions of viewers within hours.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used in the simile 'spread like wildfire'.
03Greek fire
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. an ancient type of weapon that could burn even on water.
n. a historical incendiary weapon used in naval warfare, particularly by the Byzantine Empire.
“Ancient sailors feared the wildfire that could burn their wooden ships to the waterline.”
“The secret composition of wildfire allowed the Byzantine navy to dominate the seas for centuries against superior numbers.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; modern learners will almost always encounter 'wildfire' in the context of natural disasters or the 'spread like wildfire' idiom.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “wildfire” in context.
Real-World Examples
“A police helicopter carries water to be dumped on wildfire in the Hürtgen forest in western Germany.” “For decades, the only site where the moth was found in England was at Strensall Common, in Yorkshire, but the population there has been in decline due to climate change and a wildfire.” “Global oceans recorded their hottest July on record, partly fuelled by developing El Niño conditions, as wildfires continue to ravage western Europe.” “In France, four men have already lost their lives fighting the wildfires and another 150 have been injured.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English wilde fyr, wilde fire, wylde fyre, from Old English wilde fȳr. By surface analysis, wild + fire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/wildfire