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

In aviation, iridium-tipped electrodes are used in high-performance spark plugs, providing longer service life and reliable ignition under intense conditions. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

The first ignition point was on the property of the Twelve Tribes, a cult that owns a compound on Eldorado Springs Drive near Marshall Mesa. —Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025

Actual ignition will have to wait for later free flight tests. —New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025

The sentencing memo includes photos of the bombs, showing they were each made with two batteries as a power supply, wiring as a conductor, a removable switch, an ignition wire and a container. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 23 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