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

Jackson and his wife Exerlena had helped care for Black coworker and Natchez NAACP president George Metcalfe, after he was disabled in 1965 by a bomb rigged to his car’s ignition. —Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Honda Smart Key ignition and auto-cancelling indicators with an Emergency Stop Signal complete the impressive list. —New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025

These seemingly small actions can lead to dry grass ignition, potentially sparking a wildfire. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025

One-touch ignition makes this a dummy-proof patio heater, which can heat up a nine-foot radius. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 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