ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈni-shən How to pronounce ignition (audio)
1
a
: the device that is used to ignite the fuel mixture in a gasoline engine
put the key in the ignition
b
: the process or means (such as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture
2
: the act or action of igniting: such as
a
: the starting of a fire
b
: the heating of a plasma to a temperature high enough to sustain nuclear fusion

Examples of ignition in a Sentence

There's a problem with the car's ignition.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Another ecologist, Charles Kay, has estimated that Native American ignition rates were potentially hundreds or thousands of times greater than lightning-ignition rates. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Dream notably are led by UCLA alum Jordin Canada, the the starting point guard and ignition to their offense. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 An ignition interlock device and a reinstatement fee can also apply in an individual case. — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 During those initial tests, the engine used a small amount of diesel oil as a pilot ignition source to burn a premixed combination of hydrogen and air. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignition

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignition was in 1612

Rhymes for ignition

See All Rhymes for ignition

Browse Nearby Words

igniter
ignition
ignition charge
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ignition

noun
ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce ignition (audio)
1
: the act of igniting
2
: the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting a fuel mixture
also : an electrical device for operating an ignition system (as in an automobile)
put the key in the ignition

More from Merriam-Webster on ignition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ignition

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