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

Use a vehicle’s automatic start-stop ignition, experts say. —ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026

The blast, powerful enough to be felt in nearby countries, was triggered by the ignition of a huge supply of ammonium nitrate improperly stored at the port. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

The complaint comes as radio/ backup camera glitches or not working and fault codes point to a bad ignition. —Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026

This feature replaces the two-part button ignition/dial on older Jetboils and delivers faster, simpler lighting. —New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2026

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