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

Some even have an immobilizer that disables the ignition if thieves have a key. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026

Engineers at Horse Powertrain also decided to tweak the gearbox for better energy improvement and added a high-energy ignition system. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026

Diesel engines control ignition by injecting fuel at the top of the cylinder compression stroke. —New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026

The Magic must decide whether adversity is their identity or their ignition point. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026

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