What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brushfire
Example
The firefighters were able to quickly put out the brushfire before it spread to nearby homes. [brushfire: noun]
Example
The dry conditions and strong winds caused the brushfire to grow rapidly. [brushfire: adjective]
wildfire
Example
The wildfire has been burning for days and has already consumed thousands of acres of forest. [wildfire: noun]
Example
The firefighters worked tirelessly to battle the raging wildfire. [wildfire: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wildfire is a more commonly used term than brushfire in everyday language. This is because wildfires are more prevalent and often make headlines due to their destructive nature. Brushfire is a less common term and is typically used in specific contexts where smaller fires are being discussed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brushfire and wildfire?
Both brushfire and wildfire are relatively formal terms, as they are used in technical and emergency situations. However, wildfire may be slightly more formal due to its wider usage and association with larger-scale fires.
