kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin(d)-liŋ 

ˈkin-lən

: easily combustible material for starting a fire

Examples of kindling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This should make light work of precisely slicing through leather and fabrics, opening packages, and preparing kindling and food. —New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026

The invasive species have replaced native, more fire-resistant ecosystems in the region, turning shrub, brush and grass into kindling. —Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

Daniel’s infamous tweet might have sparked Guinneissik’s entry into an international story, but the kindling had been accumulating for years. —James Gui, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2026

Simply light the edge of the paper egg cup and place it next to your kindling to get a good blaze started. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kindling

• swindling
• rekindling

Kids Definition

kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin-(d)liŋ 

: material that burns easily and is used to start a fire

Medical Definition

kindling

noun

kind·​ling ˈkin-dliŋ 

: the electrophysiological changes that occur in the brain as a result of repeated intermittent exposure to a subthreshold electrical or chemical stimulus (as one causing seizures) so that there develops a usually permanent decrease in the threshold of excitability