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

There are devices that serve as a breathalyzer for a car that connect to the car’s ignition and measure the alcohol content in the breath of the operator. —Patricia Fersch, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Nearly three million cars had faulty ignition switches, causing at least 124 deaths between 2005–2015. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2024

Ensure that the mower is not positioned near any corrosive materials, ignition sources, or wet areas. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024

Smoke continues to be an issue for firefighters, and afternoon thunderstorms have the potential to cause new ignitions. —Paradise Afshar, CNN, 8 Sep. 2024

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