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
Visitation is often supervised and monitors such as sober link or an ignition interlock device, or random check-ins to visits by a social worker, can all be put in place to protect the children.
—
Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
The car was unlocked, the keys were in the ignition and the car was running.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
The 32-inch (815-mm) seat height means these bikes should feel approachable to most riders, and there's a lithium-ion battery to fire up the ignition reliably at low temperatures.
—New Atlas, 13 July 2025
The ignition in the fuel pellet did give off more energy than put into it by the NIF’s 192 giant lasers.
—Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ignition
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Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
The car was unlocked, the keys were in the ignition and the car was running.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 July 2025
The 32-inch (815-mm) seat height means these bikes should feel approachable to most riders, and there's a lithium-ion battery to fire up the ignition reliably at low temperatures.
—New Atlas, 13 July 2025
The ignition in the fuel pellet did give off more energy than put into it by the NIF’s 192 giant lasers.
—Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 2 July 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 29 Jul. 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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