catch fire

phrase

Synonyms of catch firenext
1
: to become ignited
2
: to become fired with enthusiasm
3
: to increase greatly in scope, popularity, interest, or effectiveness
The idea failed to catch fire.

Examples of catch fire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hilton happened to catch fire at a boom time for blogs and websites in the mid aughts. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 The fire broke out at a Howard Industries facility in Laurel after a paint booth caught fire next to a tanker truck carrying an explosive substance, Mayor Johnny Magee told local media. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Small research project caught fire after ICE shootings When Berlin began her research in April 2025, two big names immediately caught her attention. — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Seems the car had caught fire at a Cadillac dealership in New York, and Birdsall had acquired it. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch fire

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catch fire was in the 15th century

Rhymes for catch fire

See All Rhymes for catch fire

Browse Nearby Words

catcher pouch
catch fire
catchfly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catch fire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catch%20fire. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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