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

The guidelines also stress that leak responders should seek to eliminate all potential ignition sources and, if necessary, shut off electrical power to the area — steps that do not appear to have occurred before the explosion. —Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025

One battery ignites, and that ignition can spread quickly. —Ginger Allen, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2025

Fusion ignition was only achieved for the first time in a laboratory setting in December 2022. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025

Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve to stop would-be thieves from cracking open a vehicle’s ignition cylinder and starting the car. —Jack Dura, Fortune, 17 Dec. 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