spark plug

noun

Definition of spark plug

1 : a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion

2 : one that initiates or gives impetus to an undertaking

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Examples of spark plug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Try calling her Softball America freshman of the year, UCLA’s power-hitting left-hander or a do-it-all defensive spark plug. — Houston Mitchell Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2021 Nobody at the spark plug factory can get a raise if sales are declining. — Frank Lavin, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2021 Rather, his push for a revival must be the spark plug to the team's overall success. — Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 1 Apr. 2021 Give your lawnmower a tuneup: change the oil, air filter and spark plug. — Allen Foster, chicagotribune.com, 24 Mar. 2021 The dissimilar metals in the aluminum heads and the spark plug materials make removal of the plugs difficult — which means potentially costly. — Motormouth Bob Weber, Star Tribune, 18 Dec. 2020 This 51-piece kit comes with a wrench, ratchet, spark plug sockets, pliers, tire gauge, screwdriver and other items needed to fix a vehicle in an emergency situation. — Hannah Drown, cleveland, 1 Dec. 2020 Where Anthony could fit with the Spurs, at least initially, is as a scoring spark plug off the bench. — Jeff Mcdonald, ExpressNews.com, 28 Oct. 2020 Lorenzo Cain, a spark plug in the leadoff spot, opted out of the season after one week. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10 Sep. 2020

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