spark

1 of 2

verb (1)

sparked; sparking; sparks
Synonyms of sparknext

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to set off in a burst of activity : activate
the question sparked a lively discussion
often used with off
2
: to stir to activity : incite
sparked her team to victory

spark

2 of 2

verb (2)

sparked; sparking; sparks
: woo, court

Synonyms of spark

Examples of spark in a Sentence

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
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Verb
Guests milk goats, walk down hydroponic rows, learn how edible flowers act as pollinators in pesticide-free ecosystems, and sit down for farm-to-table meals meant to spark conversation. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026 South Africa has a history of violence sparked by anger over the presence of migrants, including in 2008 when more than 60 people were killed in what international rights groups called xenophobic attacks on foreigners. ABC News, 7 June 2026 The Boston Symphony Orchestra has also ousted its popular music director, sparking a crisis among donors, patrons and audiences. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 7 June 2026 The interpretive trail features around 30 jade displays and introduces how the stone formed, how it was sourced, and how early discoveries sparked a brief but notable jade industry in the region. Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for spark

Word History

First Known Use

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spark was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

spark

1 of 3 noun
1
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
3
4
: a small amount that could grow into something larger
still has a spark of decency

spark

2 of 3 verb
1
: 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

spark

3 of 3 verb
sparker noun
Etymology

Noun

Old English spearca "spark"

Verb

from earlier spark (noun) "a foolish young man, boyfriend"

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