1. a pile of wood or other combustible material for burning a dead body as part of a funeral rite
2. a heap of combustible material, especially one for burning something as a signal or celebration

Examples

• The ancient warriors were honored with a ceremonial pyre.
• They built a pyre on the hilltop to signal the approaching army.
• The funeral pyre burned through the night.
• Wood was gathered to construct the ritual pyre.
• The celebration ended with lighting a great pyre in the town square.
• Smoke rose from the pyre as mourners gathered around.