tinderbox

noun

tin·​der·​box ˈtin-dər-ˌbäks 

1

a

: a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark

b

: a highly inflammable object or place

2

: a potentially explosive place or situation

Synonyms

• flash point
• powder keg
• time bomb
• volcano

Examples of tinderbox in a Sentence

That old house is really a tinderbox.

officials sought to calm the situation, which had grown into a tinderbox

Recent Examples on the Web

Current weather conditions — including a severe lack of rainfall this year in Los Angeles — have created a tinderbox in the region. —Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Jan. 2025

Climate whiplash, made worse by our actions, created a tinderbox. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

East County regularly is blasted by high winds and hot temperatures, conditions that dry out brush and can create a tinderbox waiting for a spark. —Karen Kucher, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024

At the same time, economic opportunities remain limited for many, creating a tinderbox of frustration, tension and anger. —Emma Bubola, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for tinderbox

• aftershocks
• chatterbox
• equinox
• goldilocks
• hollyhocks
• interlocks
• orthodox
• paradox
• tomahawks
• balks
• blocks
• blocs

Kids Definition

tinderbox

noun

tin·​der·​box -ˌbäks 

1

: a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark

2

: something that can easily catch fire