1
a
: a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed
b
: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass
especially
: one heated by friction
2
a
: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (such as air)
b
: the discharge in a spark plug
c
: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug
4
: something that sets off a sudden force
provided the spark that helped the team to rally
5
: a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ
still retains a spark of decency
6
sparks plural in form but singular in construction
: a radio operator on a ship
sparked; sparking; sparks
1
a
: to throw out sparks
b
: to flash or fall like sparks
2
: to produce sparks
specifically
: to have the electric ignition working
3
: to respond with enthusiasm
Examples of spark in a Sentence
Noun (1)
not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs
Verb (1)
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena
Recent Examples on the Web
Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Sackett detailed how being proximate to the spark of inspiration for projects has benefited her clients who work in physical production.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 May 2025
Laura Castañeda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
The documentary, now streaming on Netflix, offers a first-hand look at both sides of the complex case that has sparked debate across true crime podcasts, books, and 20/20 and 48 hour episodes.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
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Noun
Leaders looking to create real change should not settle for temporary sparks.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Sackett detailed how being proximate to the spark of inspiration for projects has benefited her clients who work in physical production.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 May 2025
Verb
Her death was heartbreaking and sparked a national debate on immigration, culminating with the introduction of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes, shifting the debate from policy to fear.
—Laura Castañeda, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
The documentary, now streaming on Netflix, offers a first-hand look at both sides of the complex case that has sparked debate across true crime podcasts, books, and 20/20 and 48 hour episodes.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spark
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spark
1 of 3 noun1
a
: a small bit of a burning material
b
: a hot glowing bit struck from a mass
2
: a short bright flash of electricity between two points
4
: a small amount that could grow into something larger
still has a spark of decency
spark
2 of 3 verb1
: to give off or cause to give off sparks
2
: to cause to get going
the question sparked quite an argument
sparked the team to victory
Etymology
Noun
Old English spearca "spark"
Verb
from earlier spark (noun) "a foolish young man, boyfriend"
Biographical Definition
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