kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin(d)-liŋ 

ˈkin-lən

: easily combustible material for starting a fire

Examples of kindling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The next few weeks in particular are expected to bring hot, dry weather, which could turn all that veg to kindling. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 18 June 2025

No more worrying about gathering tinder or kindling in the dark. —Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2025

Why this allergy to considering the particular societal kindling for madness? —Andrew Kay, Harpers Magazine, 28 May 2025

There are certainly plenty of folding saws that look up to the task of slicing up kindling and firewood and carrying lightly through the wild, but beyond maybe a couple of nice Opinel folders, not much that wouldn't look severely outclassed by a Helle or Gränsfors. —New Atlas, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kindling

• swindling
• rekindling

Kids Definition

kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin-(d)liŋ 

: material that burns easily and is used to start a fire

Medical Definition

kindling

noun

kind·​ling ˈkin-dliŋ 

: the electrophysiological changes that occur in the brain as a result of repeated intermittent exposure to a subthreshold electrical or chemical stimulus (as one causing seizures) so that there develops a usually permanent decrease in the threshold of excitability