kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin(d)-liŋ 

ˈkin-lən

: easily combustible material for starting a fire

Examples of kindling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Williams proceeded to pack a pre-carved hole in the log with kindling before placing the stick into it. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025

Beneath me, one by one, logs are added to a nest of kindling in the hearth. —Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Now, all that kindling is dry following the long, arid months of summer. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025

Those accumulate on the forest floor, and become perfect kindling for fires, igniting with even the smallest spark from a cigarette or lawn mower. —Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kindling

• swindling
• rekindling

Kids Definition

kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin-(d)liŋ 

: material that burns easily and is used to start a fire

Medical Definition

kindling

noun

kind·​ling ˈkin-dliŋ 

: the electrophysiological changes that occur in the brain as a result of repeated intermittent exposure to a subthreshold electrical or chemical stimulus (as one causing seizures) so that there develops a usually permanent decrease in the threshold of excitability