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

Dual ignition ensures reliability, while electric start and an onboard generator manage essential systems. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025

So Hicks would hop in his truck and turn the ignition, coating Dobbins’ cuts in the soft glow of purring Ford F-150 headlights. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025

Push-start systems involve fewer parts, making the components less-prone to wear and tear than the components used in an ignition key system. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025

According to Duggleby, Venus engineers used a camera shooting at 1 million frames per second to slow down the RDRE ignition process and observe the engine's detonation sequence in as much detail as possible. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 16 Sep. 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