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

That spark turned into full ignition five minutes later. —Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2025

Key features: Advanced LED lights, duel effect, wall-cutting, battle clash, progressive ignition, blaster deflect and more sound effects, display stand, barrel plug, removable blade. —Alexander Cox, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Its latest Fast Boil stove series makes boiling and heating that much quicker and more seamless with critical upgrades that include a smoother quick-dial ignition, better pot-to-stove locking system, and surer, more user-friendly grip. —New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2025

California will need to keep spending huge sums to lower the risk of ignitions, and to prepare for the fires that inevitably do ignite. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ignition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

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