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
Once you’re cinched into the five-point harness and turn the ignition key, the sensory hit is immediate.
—
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
Annapolis police said several vehicles were stolen this past weekend after drivers stepped away from their vehicles while the keys were in the ignition and they were left running.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
But the very moment of ignition, that initial burst of energy?
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The company successfully completed an in-flight ignition test on the engine, designated AS-1, in 2024.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignition
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Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
Annapolis police said several vehicles were stolen this past weekend after drivers stepped away from their vehicles while the keys were in the ignition and they were left running.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
But the very moment of ignition, that initial burst of energy?
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The company successfully completed an in-flight ignition test on the engine, designated AS-1, in 2024.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ignition
Cite this Entry
“Ignition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignition. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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