ignite

verb

ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt How to pronounce ignite (audio)
ignited; igniting

transitive verb

1
a
: to set afire
also : kindle
b
: to cause (a fuel) to burn
2
: to subject to fire or intense heat
especially : to render luminous by heat
3
a
: to heat up : excite
oppression that ignited the hatred of the people
b
: to set in motion : spark
ignite a debate

intransitive verb

1
: to catch fire
2
: to begin to glow
ignitability noun
ignitable adjective
or less commonly ignitible
igniter noun
or less commonly ignitor

Examples of ignite in a Sentence

The fire was ignited by sparks. The paper ignited on contact with sparks. a material that ignites easily Three wins in a row ignited the team. His proposal is igniting opposition.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the third quarter, as the Lakers grabbed firm control of the game, Deandre Ayton ignited the crowd by attacking the basket with force. Dan Woike, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 But the report itself has ignited a firestorm of debate within the field of counterterrorism and extremism research. NPR, 25 Oct. 2025 Candles placed inside pumpkins or near flowing costumes can quickly ignite fabric or synthetic wigs, causing burns. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 Judging by the array of halter styles at NYLBFW from silky and slinky at Alexandra Grecco to more ornate at Francesca Miranda, Gomez ignited a new neckline trend that will certainly be walking down many aisles soon. Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignite

Word History

Etymology

Latin ignitus, past participle of ignire to ignite, from ignis

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ignite was in 1666

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ignite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignite. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

ignite

verb
ig·​nite ig-ˈnīt How to pronounce ignite (audio)
ignited; igniting
1
a
: to set on fire : light
b
: to cause (a fuel mixture) to burn
2
: to catch fire
3
: to set in motion : spark
ignite a debate
ignitable
-ˈnīt-ə-bəl
adjective
igniter noun
also ignitor

More from Merriam-Webster on ignite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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