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

Palisades residents have sued LADWP, alleging that one of the utility’s electrical towers started a second ignition when it was knocked down at 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, about 12 hours after the Palisades fire began. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

Winds from the west to southwest of 15 mph to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, combined with extremely low humidity from 5 percent to 10 percent, creating conditions conducive to wildfire ignition. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Fire risk is defined as the potential damage a fire can do to an area in its existing condition, which can lead to municipalities requiring fuel reduction projects, defensible space and ignition resistant building construction. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2025

These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 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