verb Uncommon

kindle

KIHN-duhl

Kindle (verb) means to light or start a fire. Example: “He kindled the campfire using dry leaves and small twigs.”

verb

To light or start a fire.

"He kindled the campfire using dry leaves and small twigs."

"It took several matches to kindle the damp wood."

To arouse or awaken a feeling, such as interest, hope, or passion.

"The teacher's enthusiasm kindled a love of science in her students."

How to use kindle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo light a fire, or to spark a feeling like interest or hope into life.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "Kindle," the trademarked Amazon e-reader — unrelated in meaning, just a brand name playing on the word.

Common pairings

kindle a fire kindle interest kindle hope

Word forms

kindled past tense, kindled past tense, kindles plural, Kindles plural, kindles singular, kindles singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ the campfire using dry leaves and small twigs.

Etymology

From Middle English kyndelen, borrowed from Old Norse kynda, "to light a fire."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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spark stir arouse awaken incite foster aflame alight conflagrate fire fire up ignite

Antonyms

douse extinguish put out quench

Related words

further fire term match technology wake raise excellent

Rhymes for kindle

dwindle spindle swindle rekindle

See all rhymes for kindle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kindle” mean?

The word “kindle” means to light or start a fire. In plain terms, to light a fire, or to spark a feeling like interest or hope into life.

How do you pronounce “kindle”?

“Kindle” is pronounced KIHN-duhl (/ˈkɪn.dəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “kindle” in a sentence?

Here is “kindle” used in a sentence: “He kindled the campfire using dry leaves and small twigs.”

What is another word for “kindle”?

Words with a similar meaning to “kindle” include aflame, alight, conflagrate, fire, fire up and ignite.

What is the opposite of “kindle”?

The opposite of “kindle” — its antonyms — are douse, extinguish, put out and quench.

What part of speech is “kindle”?

“Kindle” is a verb.

Where does the word “kindle” come from?

The word “kindle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English kyndelen, borrowed from Old Norse kynda, "to light a fire.".

Is “kindle” a common word?

“Kindle” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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