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

During those initial tests, the engine used a small amount of diesel oil as a pilot ignition source to burn a premixed combination of hydrogen and air. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Her first job as CEO in 2014 was to remake the century-old company’s corporate culture and regain customers’ trust following a tragic, reputation-wrecking ignition-switch crisis. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Romo also was ordered to pay $834, and have an ignition interlock device installed on his vehicles for a minimum of one year. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Together, the four measures also include longer license revocation periods and ignition-interlock requirements for certain repeat offenders. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for ignition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids 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