ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈni-shən 

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

The outboard also features Honda's Boost Low Speed Torque (BLAST) technology that optimizes air-fuel ratio and ignition timing to maximize low-end torque for smooth, efficient takeoff. —New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2025

New or existing fire ignitions will have a high risk for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior with long-range spotting. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Questions have also swirled about an empty reservoir in the Palisades Highlands — close to the ignition site of the Palisades Fire — as well as why firefighters failed to have adequate water pressure, leaving residents wondering if the same type of situation could strike San Jose. —Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025

Evacuation Zones Rapidly Expanded Nearly 400,000 people received evacuation orders or warnings by the evening of Jan. 8th, a day and half after the ignition of the Palisades fire. —Jonathan Wolfe, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ignition

noun

ig·​ni·​tion ig-ˈnish-ən 

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