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

Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026

Hazan built a bespoke fuel-injection system, ignition mapping, and sensor array from scratch, running through an AMP EFI MS3Pro ECU that logs and monitors everything the engine is doing in real time. —Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026

This re-ignition of the Mag 7 complex is, fortunately, much broader than the one that occurred from March 2023 until September 2025, when Oracle and Nvidia topped out, the two stocks most levered to the data center explosion. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026

During high risk weather events like Santa Ana winds, utility providers may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition. —Cox Communications, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 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