spark

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noun (1)

ˈspärk

: a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed

: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass

especially : one heated by friction

: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (such as air)

: the discharge in a spark plug

: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug

: sparkle, flash

: something that sets off a sudden force

provided the spark that helped the team to rally

: a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ

still retains a spark of decency

sparks plural in form but singular in construction : a radio operator on a ship

spark

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verb (1)

sparked; sparking; sparks

intransitive verb

: to throw out sparks

: to flash or fall like sparks

: to produce sparks

specifically : to have the electric ignition working

: to respond with enthusiasm

transitive verb

: to set off in a burst of activity : activate

the question sparked a lively discussion

—often used with off

: to stir to activity : incite

sparked her team to victory

spark

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noun (2)

: a foppish young man

: lover, beau

sparkish

ˈspär-kish

adjective

spark

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The case ignited a spark in Ginsburg, who died in September 2020 at 87. —

Rasha Ali, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2023 Sally is a writer on a Saturday Night Live-type show and has an unexpected spark with the show's musical guest, Noah. —

Katie Bowlby, Country Living, 28 Feb. 2023 The resort is all about igniting a spark with its numerous romantic amenities. —

Jordi Lippe, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2023 This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking… this kid had such a spark. —

Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 7 Nov. 2022 Listening to employees’ ideas, insights and perspectives ignites the spark connecting the next generation to the purpose of the company. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 But having that spark of motivation wasn’t what created my success. —

Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 9 Jan. 2023 This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking… this kid had such a spark. —

Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 7 Nov. 2022 This @aaroncarter news is heartbreaking… this kid had such a spark. —

Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2022

Verb

Ideally, this could increase audience engagement with plant conservation programs and spark a greater appreciation of nature and ecology. —

Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 20 Feb. 2023 Cedar Hill held Royse City to a pair of field goals in the third quarter to spark a 20-8 run to take a 48-29 lead. —

Dallas News, 16 Feb. 2023 However, without a Hero Story in the middle to spark emotion, people will be too scared to listen, let alone do anything about it. —

Greg Orme, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023 Tinordi risked reinjury to spark the team, and the Hawks made a push that resulted in Johnson’s goal. —

Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2023 Griffin scored back-to-back jumpers to spark an 11-0 run for the Huskies across the last four minutes of the quarter. —

Lila Bromberg, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2023 James scored 28 points and had 11 assists, Anthony Davis scored 44 and had 10 rebounds and Westbrook came off the bench to spark the team with 15 points and 11 assists. —

Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2023 Book a little time on the water with a private sunset cruise or catamaran ride to spark a honeymoon fire. —

Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2023 Right after that, Walker hit a 3-pointer right after that to spark a 12-2 run that was capped by another 3 from Hoggard, with a pair of Kohler nifty post moves for layups sandwiched between. —

Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 20 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spark.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.