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 clip shows the moment of ignition of one of the spacecraft's six Raptor 3 engines, which burns for approximately 15 seconds. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Some environmental groups have noted that humans are nearly always the cause of wildfires and ignitions occur more frequently near roads. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Cars started morphing into computers in the 1970s, when new emissions standards made electronic systems necessary to manage ignition and fuel injection. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026

Ascend, starting with a decision to rise through the ignition of the rocket. — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 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