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

Kids can check the oil and spark plugs, remove the engine cover and check the engine, among other things. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024

Why the Red Sox should not trade Duran Duran is a spark plug for the offense Duran’s aggressiveness served as a catalyst on several occasions throughout the season, sparking a style of play the Red Sox haven’t seen from their offense in years. —Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Locate the spark plug on the side of the engine, then use a set of pliers to disconnect the thick wire at the end of the spark plug. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024

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