ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈni-shən 

1

a

: the device that is used to ignite the fuel mixture in a gasoline engine

put the key in the ignition

b

: the process or means (such as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture

2

: the act or action of igniting: such as

a

: the starting of a fire

b

: the heating of a plasma to a temperature high enough to sustain nuclear fusion

Examples of ignition in a Sentence

There's a problem with the car's ignition.

Recent Examples on the Web

The further away from wildland, the less chance of ignition, which is why heavy winds were able to spark house-to-house spread quickly. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2025

All this as answers remain elusive about the ignition source of the fires. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025

The parched landscape across Southern California meant that any ignition was likely to become a monster blaze. —Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025

There's been no evidence so far that SCE is in any way involved with the ignition of the Eaton fire. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈnish-ən 

1

: the act of igniting

2

: the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture

also : an electrical device for operating an ignition system (as in an automobile)

put the key in the ignition