kindle

1 of 2

verb (1)

kin·​dle ˈkin-dᵊl How to pronounce kindle (audio)
kindled; kindling ˈkin(d)-liŋ How to pronounce kindle (audio)
ˈkin-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

1
: to start (a fire) burning : light
using dry twigs to kindle a fire
2
a
: to stir up : arouse
kindle a child's interest in art
b
: to bring into being : start
3
: to cause to glow : illuminate
animation kindling his pale faceA. J. Cronin

intransitive verb

1
: to catch fire : begin to burn
waiting for the fire to kindle
2
a
: to flare up
… their mutual resentment again kindledEdward Gibbon
b
: to become animated
no boy will fail to kindle to the struggles of his California youthEthna Sheehan
3
: to become illuminated
light kindled in the liquorFrances G. Patton
kindler
ˈkin(d)-lər How to pronounce kindle (audio)
ˈkin-dᵊl-ər
noun

kindle

2 of 2

verb (2)

kindled; kindling

transitive verb

: bear sense 3a
used especially of a rabbit

intransitive verb

: to bring forth young
used especially of a rabbit

Examples of kindle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Their achievements kindled national pride and inspired aspiring racers nationwide, dispelling the notion that Formula 1 was solely a European domain and showcasing American excellence on a global stage. Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024 Warm and dry conditions are like kindling for wildfires. Cara Korte, CBS News, 7 June 2023 Residing with her German foster parents on the outskirts of Munich, Liesel forges a close bond with her foster father, Hans Hubermann, who teaches her how to read and write, kindling a passion for books. Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2023 Nothing kindles the meme fires quite like mass familiarity, and that the wine was already known and loved made its recent moment in the sun feel like one big inside joke. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 18 Jan. 2024 Before the White House could find its way to caving yet again, Iran’s morality police beat to death 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for not wearing her hijab to the regime’s liking — a spark that kindled an unprecedented national uprising against the regime. Daniel Foster, National Review, 30 Nov. 2023 The surrounding vegetation was a mix of lush foliage and brush indistinguishable from kindling. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2023 Predominantly deeper tidal heating would create profuse volcanism at the poles, whereas shallower baking would kindle volcanic fires at lower latitudes. Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Nov. 2023 In the same story, Faith does not brew a pot of coffee but kindles it. Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kindle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, probably modification of Old Norse kynda; akin to Old High German cuntesal fire

Verb (2)

Middle English, from kindle young animal, probably from kinde, noun, kind

First Known Use

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of kindle was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near kindle

Cite this Entry

“Kindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kindle

verb
kin·​dle
ˈkin-dᵊl
kindled; kindling
-(d)liŋ,
-dᵊl-iŋ
1
: to set on fire or take fire : light
2
: to stir up : excite
trying to kindle their interest

Medical Definition

kindle

intransitive verb
kin·​dle ˈkin-dᵊl How to pronounce kindle (audio)
kindled; kindling
: to bring forth young
used chiefly of a rabbit

More from Merriam-Webster on kindle

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