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

These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The team says the high-energy compound only combusts upon contact with an ignition agent, such as kerosene. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025

The truck prototype was powered by a 1060cc (65-cu-in) four-stroke with two vertical cylinders and Daimler’s patented hot-tube ignition. —Ian Baker august 24, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025

Portions of the Great Lakes, Northeast and adjacent areas of Canada have recently turned very dry and may be more vulnerable to wildfire ignition, AccuWeather warned. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 23 Aug. 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