1
a
: a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed
b
: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass
especially
: one heated by friction
2
a
: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (such as air)
b
: the discharge in a spark plug
c
: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug
4
: something that sets off a sudden force
provided the spark that helped the team to rally
5
: a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ
still retains a spark of decency
6
sparks plural in form but singular in construction
: a radio operator on a ship
sparked; sparking; sparks
1
a
: to throw out sparks
b
: to flash or fall like sparks
2
: to produce sparks
specifically
: to have the electric ignition working
3
: to respond with enthusiasm
Synonyms
Examples of spark in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
So far investigators have not been able to determine what caused the initial spark.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024
The cutouts are screened to prevent sparks from flying out of the fire, too.
—Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024
The spark for the tour came in 2016, when several cast members made an appearance at Norfolk State University in Virginia.
—Leigh-Ann Jackson, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer’s sparks continue to fly off-screen.
—Sabrina Picou, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
People should be cautious when operating off-road vehicles or equipment, which can create a spark and start a fire.
—Journal Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2024
Note that these work gloves are designed for spark and flame resistance, not thermal contact.
—Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
Carrie and Big are married but grappling with keeping a spark between them.
—Jacqueline Weiss, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
Koh Ewe, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
With its captivating storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book sparks imagination and curiosity while highlighting valuable life lessons.
—Lilian Gonzalez, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
The bill's creation was sparked by concerns about the troves of personal user data collected by TikTok and ByteDance, which critics claim poses a national security threat, based on fears the information could be tapped by the Chinese government.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
The show also sparked women to follow in the footsteps of Meredith Grey and pursue a career in medicine.
—Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
The pandemic upset a delicate balance of part-time and full-time residents in a community in the Poconos, sparking a debate over short-term rentals.
—Eduardo Medina Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
That leaves a final vote before the County Commission to approve the sale in the coming weeks, though the proposal did spark some concerns at the hearing.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
Ooh, sparks between Sebastian and Taylor are flying, despite his previous shopping date with Kelli!
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
The move was an escalation in the company’s opposition to the bill, which has not yet become law but has already sparked debate over who would benefit, and whether restricting access to news content might inhibit democracy.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 17 Apr. 2024
Noun
While his early offensive spark should have been a catalyst for the rest of the team, his teammates never ramped up their games.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
So far investigators have not been able to determine what caused the initial spark.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024
The cutouts are screened to prevent sparks from flying out of the fire, too.
—Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024
The spark for the tour came in 2016, when several cast members made an appearance at Norfolk State University in Virginia.
—Leigh-Ann Jackson, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer’s sparks continue to fly off-screen.
—Sabrina Picou, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
People should be cautious when operating off-road vehicles or equipment, which can create a spark and start a fire.
—Journal Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2024
Note that these work gloves are designed for spark and flame resistance, not thermal contact.
—Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024
Carrie and Big are married but grappling with keeping a spark between them.
—Jacqueline Weiss, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
Verb
The weekend attack sparked widespread fears of a sharp escalation of conflict, as regional tensions have heightened amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
—Koh Ewe, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
With its captivating storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book sparks imagination and curiosity while highlighting valuable life lessons.
—Lilian Gonzalez, Billboard, 19 Apr. 2024
The bill's creation was sparked by concerns about the troves of personal user data collected by TikTok and ByteDance, which critics claim poses a national security threat, based on fears the information could be tapped by the Chinese government.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
The show also sparked women to follow in the footsteps of Meredith Grey and pursue a career in medicine.
—Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
The pandemic upset a delicate balance of part-time and full-time residents in a community in the Poconos, sparking a debate over short-term rentals.
—Eduardo Medina Eduardo Medina, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2024
That leaves a final vote before the County Commission to approve the sale in the coming weeks, though the proposal did spark some concerns at the hearing.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
Ooh, sparks between Sebastian and Taylor are flying, despite his previous shopping date with Kelli!
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
The move was an escalation in the company’s opposition to the bill, which has not yet become law but has already sparked debate over who would benefit, and whether restricting access to news content might inhibit democracy.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 17 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spark.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near spark
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spark
1 of 3 noun1
a
: a small bit of a burning material
b
: a hot glowing bit struck from a mass
2
: a short bright flash of electricity between two points
4
: a small amount that could grow into something larger
still has a spark of decency
spark
2 of 3 verb1
: to give off or cause to give off sparks
2
: to cause to get going
the question sparked quite an argument
sparked the team to victory
Etymology
Noun
Old English spearca "spark"
Verb
from earlier spark (noun) "a foolish young man, boyfriend"
Biographical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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