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

This risk particularly applies to areas where Hurricane Helene prompted the growth of an abundance of fuel, which is now primed for ignition, the report added. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025

Federal agents have not determined the cause of the January 2025 fire, and the ignition site, near a place called Skull Rock, is still being investigated. —Robert Petkoff Krish Seenivasan Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

On April 30, Ukrainian forces targeted the Murom Instrument-Building Plant in Russia's Vladimir region, a facility producing ignition devices for military ammunition. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025

Now, one of our most critical lines of defense — the ignition interlock device (IID) law — is set to expire. —Cottie Petrie Norris, Oc Register, 28 Apr. 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