noun
Uncommon
ignition
ihg-NIH-shuhn
Ignition (noun) means the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins. Example: “The spilled fuel caused ignition within seconds.”
noun
1
The act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins.
"The spilled fuel caused ignition within seconds."
"Ignition temperature varies widely between materials."
"Dry grass near the campfire can lead to sudden ignition on a windy day."
2
The system that starts combustion in an engine, or the switch/slot used to start a vehicle.
"She turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life."
"A faulty ignition switch left the car stranded in the car park."
"He pushed the key into the ignition, but the engine would not start."
How to use ignition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe moment something catches fire or starts running — most often used for engines and car keys.
Common pairings
turn the ignition
ignition key
ignition switch
point of ignition
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Word forms
- Plural
- ignitions
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The spilled fuel caused _____ within seconds.
Etymology
Borrowed from French ignition, ultimately from Latin ignis, "fire."
Related words
Rhymes for ignition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for ignition →
Frequently asked questions
What does “ignition” mean?
The word “ignition” means the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins. In plain terms, the moment something catches fire or starts running — most often used for engines and car keys.
How do you pronounce “ignition”?
“Ignition” is pronounced ihg-NIH-shuhn (/ɪɡˈnɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ignition” in a sentence?
Here is “ignition” used in a sentence: “The spilled fuel caused ignition within seconds.”
What part of speech is “ignition”?
“Ignition” is a noun.
Where does the word “ignition” come from?
The word “ignition” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French ignition, ultimately from Latin ignis, "fire.".
Is “ignition” a common word?
“Ignition” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ignition” have?
“Ignition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or process of setting something on fire, or the point at which combustion begins.
What is the difference between ignition and combustion?
Ignition refers to the point at which something first catches fire or a combustion process begins, while combustion is the ongoing chemical reaction of burning itself. Ignition is the trigger or starting moment; combustion is the sustained process that follows.
Does ignition refer to the car part or the process of starting an engine?
It can refer to either: the ignition system is the set of components (including the ignition switch) that starts combustion in an engine, and "ignition" is also used loosely to mean the switch or slot where a key is turned to start the vehicle. Context usually clarifies whether the physical part or the process is meant.
What is the difference between the ignition switch and the ignition system?
The ignition switch is the specific component, often operated by a key or button, that a driver uses to start the engine. The ignition system is the broader network of parts, including the switch, that work together to initiate combustion in the engine.
