spark plug
noun
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
Examples of spark plug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Trinity, the Dallas-area’s top rushing team in 6A, has its own offensive spark plug in star running back Josh Bell.
—
Myah Taylor, Dallas News, 17 Sep. 2023
And there were two spark plugs per cylinder, mounted in the sides of the combustion chamber rather than using a single one in the center.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023
Outfielder David Peralta emerged as a spark plug in the dugout, leading to his train-horn hit celebration being adopted by the entire team.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Keep in Mind Many socket sets already contain a spark plug socket.
—Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2023
Nishida, the spunky, happy-go-lucky spark plug from Japan, bounced around leaping into teammates’ arms.
—Joe Freeman, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
Which won’t be easy: James has been a breakout spark plug at this tournament, scoring a goal against Denmark in the group stage and then scoring a pair of goals and assisting on three others in England’s 6-1 rout of China in their final group-stage game.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Aug. 2023
Senior center fielder Dax Raney was the Chargers’ spark plug on offense.
—Jason Frakes, The Courier-Journal, 27 May 2023
At 6-0, 215 pounds, Muncy is a spark plug on the Dodgers, but his inconsistency at the plate can be frustrating.
—Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
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Myah Taylor, Dallas News, 17 Sep. 2023
And there were two spark plugs per cylinder, mounted in the sides of the combustion chamber rather than using a single one in the center.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2023
Outfielder David Peralta emerged as a spark plug in the dugout, leading to his train-horn hit celebration being adopted by the entire team.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2023
Keep in Mind Many socket sets already contain a spark plug socket.
—Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2023
Nishida, the spunky, happy-go-lucky spark plug from Japan, bounced around leaping into teammates’ arms.
—Joe Freeman, oregonlive, 26 Jan. 2023
Which won’t be easy: James has been a breakout spark plug at this tournament, scoring a goal against Denmark in the group stage and then scoring a pair of goals and assisting on three others in England’s 6-1 rout of China in their final group-stage game.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 10 Aug. 2023
Senior center fielder Dax Raney was the Chargers’ spark plug on offense.
—Jason Frakes, The Courier-Journal, 27 May 2023
At 6-0, 215 pounds, Muncy is a spark plug on the Dodgers, but his inconsistency at the plate can be frustrating.
—Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spark plug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near spark plug
Cite this Entry
“Spark plug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark%20plug. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
spark plug
noun1
: a device used in an engine to produce a spark that ignites a fuel mixture
2
: one that begins something or drives something forward
More from Merriam-Webster on spark plug
Nglish: Translation of spark plug for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spark plug
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