spark

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈspärk 

1

a

: a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed

b

: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass

especially : one heated by friction

2

a

: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (such as air)

b

: the discharge in a spark plug

c

: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug

3

: sparkle, flash

4

: something that sets off a sudden force

provided the spark that helped the team to rally

5

: a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ

still retains a spark of decency

6

sparks plural in form but singular in construction : a radio operator on a ship

spark

2 of 4

verb (1)

sparked; sparking; sparks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to throw out sparks

b

: to flash or fall like sparks

2

: to produce sparks

specifically : to have the electric ignition working

3

: to respond with enthusiasm

transitive verb

1

: to set off in a burst of activity : activate

the question sparked a lively discussion

—often used with off

2

: to stir to activity : incite

sparked her team to victory

spark

3 of 4

noun (2)

1

: a foppish young man

2

: lover, beau

sparkish

ˈspär-kish 

adjective

spark

4 of 4

verb (2)

sparked; sparking; sparks

: woo, court

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• ace
• bit
• crumb
• dab
• dram
• driblet
• glimmer
• hint
• lick
• little
• mite
• nip
• ounce
• particle
• peanuts
• ray
• scintilla
• scruple
• shade
• shadow
• shred
• skosh
• smack
• smell
• smidgen
• smidgeon
• smidgin
• smidge
• snap
• soupçon
• spatter
• speck
• splash
• spot
• sprinkling
• strain
• streak
• suspicion
• tad
• touch
• trace

Verb (1)

• scintillate
• sparkle

Examples of spark in a Sentence

Noun (1)

not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs

Verb (1)

the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in

interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain

President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

How that plays out depends on a number of factors, such as where the conflict starts and what the impetus is, which would shape the way all major actors and allies respond to whatever acts as the spark. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

The sparks really started there, with the first screening. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

The shooting of Brian Thompson sparked two very separate reactions around his killer: a manhunt and admiration from certain parts of the internet, with the latter creating concern among security experts that this killing might inspire copycat events. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

The last time orcas balanced dead salmon on their backs was in the 1980s, sparking discussion about sartorial choices for the massive mammals. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English sparke, from Old English spearca; akin to Middle Dutch sparke spark and perhaps to Latin spargere to scatter

Noun (2)

perhaps from spark entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spark

• bright spark
• spark chamber
• spark gap
• spark plug

Kids Definition

spark

1 of 3 noun

ˈspärk 

1

a

: a small bit of a burning material

b

: a hot glowing bit struck from a mass

2

: a short bright flash of electricity between two points

3

: sparkle entry 2 sense 1

4

: a small amount that could grow into something larger

still has a spark of decency

spark

2 of 3 verb

1

: to give off or cause to give off sparks

2

: to cause to get going

the question sparked quite an argument

sparked the team to victory

spark

3 of 3 verb

: woo sense 1, court

sparker noun

Etymology

Noun

Old English spearca "spark"

Verb

from earlier spark (noun) "a foolish young man, boyfriend"

Biographical Definition

Spark

biographical name

ˈspärk 

Dame Muriel (Sarah) 1918–2006 née Camberg British writer