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bushfire

(Australia, New Zealand) An uncontrolled fire in a wooded or grassy area; a wildfire.

ˈbʊʃˌfaɪɹCurrent151 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
1 definition
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Seen in the wild
5 citations · last seen May 2026

Seen in the wild

Definitions

Australia
#1·Apr 27, 2026AUS

(Australia, New Zealand) An uncontrolled fire in a wooded or grassy area; a wildfire.

1985, Australian House of Representatives, Parliamentary Debates, House of Representatives, Weekly Hansard, Issues 4-6, [http://books.google.com.au/books?id=MBYWAAAAIAAJ&q=%22bushfire%22|%22bushfires%22+-intitle:%22bushfire|bushfires%22+…
For parents

"bushfire" means: An uncontrolled fire in a wooded or grassy area; a wildfire.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"bushfire" means: An uncontrolled fire in a wooded or grassy area; a wildfire.. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. Note the regional or dialect label (New Zealand) — usage may sound odd outside that variety. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

Heard in the wild
  • “Bushfire Cameron Way, Pakenham Status: Under Control Size: Small Resources: 3 6 May 2026, 5:02 am - open 12m From #VIC/CFA via 000 Find on Map > #EMVAlert #incident #Fire #Bushfire”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Bushfire Cameron Way, Pakenham Status: Safe Size: Small Resources: 3 6 May 2026, 5:29 am - open 39m From #VIC/CFA via 000 Find on Map > #EMVAlert #incident #Fire #Bushfire”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Bushfire Hume Fwy, Wandong Status: Responding Resources: 0 5 May 2026, 5:08 pm - open 1m 41s From #VIC/ESTA via 000 Find on Map > #EMVAlert #incident #Fire #Bushfire”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Bushfire on the Way to Adelaide Acrylic On Paper The inspiration for this artwork comes from my experience driving to Adelaide after a bushfire, so this is what I imagine it's like to be in a bushfire. #painting #acrylicpainting #abstractpainting #landscape #landscapepainting”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
  • “Bushfire 2.2Km Nw Of Aireys Inlet Status: Safe Size: 0.01 Ha. Resources: 0 5 May 2026, 5:01 pm - open 41m 56s From #VIC/DEECA Find on Map > #EMVAlert #incident #Fire #Bushfire”

    — Bluesky· May 2026
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For specific readers

"bushfire" means: An uncontrolled fire in a wooded or grassy area; a wildfire.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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Australia

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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang

Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.

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