tinder

noun

tin·​der ˈtin-dər How to pronounce tinder (audio)
1
: a very flammable substance adaptable for use as kindling
2
: something that serves to incite or inflame
that rhetoric was ready tinder for revolutionMargaret Peters

Examples of tinder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The study published in May described a grass-fire cycle that has caused sparse desert landscapes to turn into sprawling grassland that fills the gaps between native plants and initiating dry tinder made ready by the hot Arizona sun. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 25 May 2024 Two wet winters in a row helped grasses grow lush and tall — but those same tall grasses are now drying into tinder under the summer heat, becoming a concern for firefighters around the area. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 15 June 2024 She’s got a lot of torch songs in her arsenal, and there is nothing like the LA Phil at its most understated to throw just enough tinder onto her unrequitedness to create a beautiful blaze. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024 Trees turned to tinder by weeks of extreme heat are fueling a fast-moving fire in Northern California. Sarah Kaplan, Washington Post, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for tinder 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English tynder; akin to Old High German zuntra tinder, Old English tendan to kindle

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tinder was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near tinder

Cite this Entry

“Tinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tinder. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tinder

noun
tin·​der ˈtin-dər How to pronounce tinder (audio)
: a material that burns easily and can be used as kindling

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