spark plug

noun

1

: a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion

2

: one that initiates or gives impetus to an undertaking

sparkplug

ˈspärk-ˌpləg 

transitive verb

Examples of spark plug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What had flummoxed the other shop took Frank moments to diagnose with a simple spark plug test. —Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

The company makes things like brakes and spark plugs for several car manufacturers, which proved a boon as globalization expanded at the turn of the century. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 25 Nov. 2024

Inside a vehicle, noise is generated by spark plugs, electric motors and cell phones, Daniel Shwartzberg, the company’s director of business development and system solutions, said during the investor day presentation. —Bill Koenig, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The two receivers were the spark plugs in a successful two-minute drive for Herbert against the starting defense. —Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 30 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spark plug

noun

1

: a device used in an engine to produce a spark that ignites a fuel mixture

2

: one that begins something or drives something forward