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

On April 30, Ukrainian forces targeted the Murom Instrument-Building Plant in Russia's Vladimir region, a facility producing ignition devices for military ammunition. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

Now, one of our most critical lines of defense — the ignition interlock device (IID) law — is set to expire. —Cottie Petrie Norris, Oc Register, 28 Apr. 2025

The ignition interlock device company Smart Start recently sponsored a study analyzing the best cities in the U.S. for sober living. —Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 25 Mar. 2025

The best ignition systems trigger with the push of a button. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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