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.
Anthony is more of a spark plug than a true lead guard. Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 There were problems during the record run, a fuel leak to a fouled spark plug. James Raia, Mercury News, 27 July 2025 Image The metals also go into the chemicals for manufacturing jet engines, lasers, car headlights and certain spark plugs. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Replace the spark plug and the air filter, and then change the mower engine's oil. Michelle Ullman, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Spark plug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark%20plug. Accessed 3 Aug. 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

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