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 best ignition systems trigger with the push of a button.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Dense, homogenous forests can be slow to recover from disturbances, leaving material behind that has greater ignition risk, according to the report.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
That’s how the U.S. pulled off the historic first fusion ignition, producing net positive energy at the Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Facility, or NIF, in 2022.
—Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
That spark turned into full ignition five minutes later.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ignition
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Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Dense, homogenous forests can be slow to recover from disturbances, leaving material behind that has greater ignition risk, according to the report.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
That’s how the U.S. pulled off the historic first fusion ignition, producing net positive energy at the Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Facility, or NIF, in 2022.
—Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
That spark turned into full ignition five minutes later.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ignition
Cite this Entry
“Ignition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignition. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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