spark

1 of 4

noun (1)

1
a
: a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed
b
: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass
especially : one heated by friction
2
a
: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (such as air)
b
: the discharge in a spark plug
c
: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug
3
4
: something that sets off a sudden force
provided the spark that helped the team to rally
5
: a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ
still retains a spark of decency
6
sparks plural in form but singular in construction : a radio operator on a ship

spark

2 of 4

verb (1)

sparked; sparking; sparks

intransitive verb

1
a
: to throw out sparks
b
: to flash or fall like sparks
2
: to produce sparks
specifically : to have the electric ignition working
3
: to respond with enthusiasm

transitive verb

1
: to set off in a burst of activity : activate
the question sparked a lively discussion
often used with off
2
: to stir to activity : incite
sparked her team to victory

spark

3 of 4

noun (2)

1
: a foppish young man
2
: lover, beau
sparkish adjective

spark

4 of 4

verb (2)

sparked; sparking; sparks
: woo, court

Examples of spark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Mendelsohn is the moral and creative hero, but the striving, anything-to-survive Binoche gives the series a ruthless spark. Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024 The pink and green duo complement one another (as most likely your lively spring palette) while bringing a cheery spark to your table without being excessively vibrant. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 Cam and Emily, Season 2 Cam and Emily had an early spark after arriving at the villa, sharing a kiss even before Lana announced the rules. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 Outdoor enthusiasts should also use caution with any off-road vehicles or equipment that can create a spark and start a fire. Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 Historically, Muslim-majority Kashmir has been a tinderbox, prone to lighting up at the slightest spark. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Mar. 2024 This results in a dazzling show of sparks and plasma before W-1’s parachute deploys to slow and stabilize its final descent. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024 Their first date was antique shopping Though the couple ran in similar circles, sparks didn't fly until years after their first meeting. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 There are no sparks between these two lab partners. Emma Specter, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024
Verb
Independent labels have been steadily outpacing the wider market as the politics of digital marketing, streaming etc. have sparked change in the industry. Thania Garcia, Variety, 26 Mar. 2024 The searches Monday in L.A. and Miami sparked worldwide attention. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024 Such autobiographical elements have also helped spark the success of other country stars of late, including Jelly Roll and Oliver Anthony. Xander Zellner, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2024 The post sparked a huge response, sending ripples throughout the climbing community and attracted support from the likes of US rock climber Sasha DiGiulian. Ben Church, CNN, 26 Mar. 2024 In the time leading up to the darkness, during it, and after, zoo personnel observed and documented the behavior of many of the animals to see if the meteorological event would spark any changes. Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2024 By December 2016, his sexuality became a topic on Watch What Happens Live, where Andy Cohen sparked the fire by asking 50 Cent about his ex’s comments about his sexuality. Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 While the magnitude of the Dolphins’ departures has sparked talk that 2024 could be a bit of a reset year, McDaniel doesn’t see it that way for a team that has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2024 Just two weeks after filing for divorce in October 2022, Valente joined the model and her children on a trip to Costa Rica, sparking dating rumors. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spark.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English sparke, from Old English spearca; akin to Middle Dutch sparke spark and perhaps to Latin spargere to scatter

Noun (2)

perhaps from spark entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spark was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near spark

Cite this Entry

“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spark

1 of 3 noun
1
a
: a small bit of a burning material
b
: a hot glowing bit struck from a mass
2
: a short bright flash of electricity between two points
3
4
: a small amount that could grow into something larger
still has a spark of decency

spark

2 of 3 verb
1
: to give off or cause to give off sparks
2
: to cause to get going
the question sparked quite an argument
sparked the team to victory

spark

3 of 3 verb
sparker noun
Etymology

Noun

Old English spearca "spark"

Verb

from earlier spark (noun) "a foolish young man, boyfriend"

Biographical Definition

Spark

biographical name

Dame Muriel (Sarah) 1918–2006 née Camberg British writer

More from Merriam-Webster on spark

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