kindling
Kindling (noun) means Small sticks, twigs, or other easily burnable material used to start a fire. Example: “He gathered kindling before lighting the fireplace.”
How to use kindling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe small, easily lit material — twigs, dry leaves, thin sticks — used to get a fire going before adding bigger logs.
Word forms
more kindling comparative, kindlings plural, most kindling superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gathered _____ before lighting the fireplace.
Etymology
From "kindle" plus the suffix "-ing," describing the material used for kindling a fire.
Related words
Rhymes for kindling
See all rhymes for kindling →Frequently asked questions
What does “kindling” mean?
The word “kindling” means small sticks, twigs, or other easily burnable material used to start a fire. In plain terms, the small, easily lit material — twigs, dry leaves, thin sticks — used to get a fire going before adding bigger logs.
How do you pronounce “kindling”?
“Kindling” is pronounced KIHND-lihng (/ˈkɪnd.lɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “kindling” in a sentence?
Here is “kindling” used in a sentence: “He gathered kindling before lighting the fireplace.”
What part of speech is “kindling”?
“Kindling” is a noun.