spark plug

noun

1
: a part that fits into the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and carries two electrodes separated by an air gap across which the current from the ignition system discharges to form the spark for combustion
2
: one that initiates or gives impetus to an undertaking
sparkplug transitive verb

Examples of spark plug in a Sentence

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.
Henderson was the spark plug for a World Series championship, won the MVP in 1990 and would return to the A’s two more times before ending his Hall of Fame career having played for nine teams. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 Sherwood is a massive bottom-six spark plug, and Suter is a versatile Swiss Army knife. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024 The Red Sox have yet to acquire a similar spark plug as players wonder about their futures. Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic, 28 July 2024 Kids can check the oil and spark plugs, remove the engine cover and check the engine, among other things. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spark plug 

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spark plug was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near spark plug

Cite this Entry

“Spark plug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark%20plug. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

spark plug

noun
1
: a device used in an engine to produce a spark that ignites a fuel mixture
2
: one that begins something or drives something forward

More from Merriam-Webster on spark plug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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