spontaneous combustion
noun
: self-ignition of combustible material through chemical action (such as oxidation) of its constituents
called also spontaneous ignition
Examples of spontaneous combustion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, the Democratic Party has become a ramshackle, disheveled party and has given a new meaning to spontaneous combustion.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it may have been ignited through spontaneous combustion, said Cal Fire spokesperson Mike Cornette.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Our good fortune has not come by spontaneous combustion.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Ten competitors in two Orlando World of Beer Bar & Kitchen locations aren’t waiting for spontaneous combustion.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for spontaneous combustion
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
The cause of the fire is under investigation but it may have been ignited through spontaneous combustion, said Cal Fire spokesperson Mike Cornette.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Our good fortune has not come by spontaneous combustion.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
Ten competitors in two Orlando World of Beer Bar & Kitchen locations aren’t waiting for spontaneous combustion.
—Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for spontaneous combustion
Cite this Entry
“Spontaneous combustion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spontaneous%20combustion. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share