ignition

noun

ig·ni·tion | \ ig-ˈni-shən

Definition of ignition

1 : 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

2a : the process or means (such as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture

b : a device that activates an ignition system (as in an automobile) put the key in the ignition

Examples of ignition in a Sentence

There's a problem with the car's ignition.

Recent Examples on the Web

High-end charcoal units should have work shelves, charcoal storage areas, and automatic ignition systems. — John Loecke, ELLE Decor, "Shopping Guide: Outdoor Grills," 3 Apr. 2010 In both regions, power lines falling down or coming into contact with trees are widely considered as possible ignition points for the fires. — David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle, "California ponders wildfire relief fund as PG&E seeks rate case delay," 4 June 2018 All walk mowers have pull start (recoil) handles—even those with a key ignition. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The 7 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers," 11 Apr. 2019 After Carlos Correa drew a walk, Gurriel mashed a Minute Maid Park special 360 feet away into the Crawford Boxes, an out in almost every other ballpark but this one, the setting for the Astros' offensive ignition. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Yuli Gurriel's grand slam fuels Astros' rout of Royals," 24 June 2018 As with paint, keep this away from pets and children, and any source of ignition. — Mike Allen, Popular Mechanics, "How to Dispose of Hazardous Waste Without Damaging the Environment," 9 Oct. 2018 The house explosion that killed a Gloucester County couple last week was caused by natural gas, authorities said Friday, but investigators were unable to pinpoint the precise source of ignition. — Max Cohen, Philly.com, "House explosion that killed Gloucester County couple was accidental, fire marshal rules," 13 July 2018 Opened the tank, turned the burner closest to the ignition on high, ignited, then turned the rest of the burners to high. — Kim Walker, Woman's Day, "Foil-Packet Salmon on the Grill," 15 May 2012 In this example, the problem is likely related to the ignition system. — Michael Austin, Popular Mechanics, "What Your Check Engine Light Means and What To Do About It," 31 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ignition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.