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

He was stopped by witnesses who removed the key from the ignition. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 18 Jan. 2026

When the truck finally stopped, Hyden attempted to flee, putting his car in reverse until he was stopped by witnesses who removed the key from the ignition, Bragg said. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026

But the young transplant from Tupelo, Mississippi, had just hit the ignition switch on a rocket ship. —Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

State law requires drivers to stop the engine, lock the ignition, and remove the key before leaving a vehicle. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Jan. 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