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
Motorcyclists can bring their bike to their local dealers to replace all four spark plugs for free.
—
USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
Known as a lockdown defender, spark plug, and slasher, Folkes has attempted just 19 free throws on the season, connecting on just 37%.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024
For example, a spark plug, in isolation, is not a revolutionary technology.
—Martin Reeves, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2023
The reason is that diesels do not emit as much radio interference as spark plugs and electric motors.
—Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024
The spark plug shortstop who’s hit 85 homers and been worth more than 11 wins above replacement in 2 1/2 years?
—Journal Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2024
With star freshman JuJu Watkins fouling out at the end of regulation, Williams, a 5-foot-7 defensive spark plug who is working back from offseason surgery, played a season-high 26 minutes.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
But this team has one athletic spark plug these days: Jonathan Kuminga.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2024
Frankly, when the Wolves don’t move the ball or simply don’t play with much energy, McLaughlin has been inserted as a spark plug.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Jan. 2024
USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
Known as a lockdown defender, spark plug, and slasher, Folkes has attempted just 19 free throws on the season, connecting on just 37%.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024
For example, a spark plug, in isolation, is not a revolutionary technology.
—Martin Reeves, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2023
The reason is that diesels do not emit as much radio interference as spark plugs and electric motors.
—Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024
The spark plug shortstop who’s hit 85 homers and been worth more than 11 wins above replacement in 2 1/2 years?
—Journal Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2024
With star freshman JuJu Watkins fouling out at the end of regulation, Williams, a 5-foot-7 defensive spark plug who is working back from offseason surgery, played a season-high 26 minutes.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
But this team has one athletic spark plug these days: Jonathan Kuminga.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2024
Frankly, when the Wolves don’t move the ball or simply don’t play with much energy, McLaughlin has been inserted as a spark plug.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Jan. 2024
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 16 Apr. 2024.
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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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