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

Haney challenged that reconstruction, questioning gaps in surveillance images and noting that no witness or camera captured the ignition. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Between 1945 and 2015, development in regions of the country with the highest wildfire risk expanded tenfold, increasing the amount of human exposure to wildfires while also introducing ignition sources and buildings that can burn. — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Cheaper and less energy-efficient than the summer blend, the winter blend helps with engine ignition during colder temperatures. — Kathy Laskowski, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Each of its components has been designed to minimize ignition risk. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 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