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

Vehicles equipped with the enhanced software will only start if the owner's key, or an identical duplicate, is in the ignition. —CBS News, 7 Aug. 2024

The fire can also occur even when the ignition is turned off. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 29 July 2024

The 1968 convention was the ignition, if not a symbolic capstone, to a combustible decade of racial and antiwar strife. —Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2024

All gas explosions contain the same two elements — a release of gas and an ignition source. —Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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