kindle
verb (used with object)
to start (a fire); cause (a flame, blaze, etc.) to begin burning.
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Kindl.
kindle
1 American
[kin-dl]
/ ˈkɪn dl /
verb (used with object)
kindled,
kindling
verb (used without object)
kindled,
kindling
-
to begin to burn, as combustible matter, a light, fire, or flame.
-
to become aroused or animated.
-
to become lighted up, bright, or glowing, as the sky at dawn or the eyes with ardor.
kindle
2
American
[kin-dl]
/ ˈkɪn dl /
verb (used with object)
kindled,
kindling
verb (used without object)
kindled,
kindling
noun
-
kindles
plural
kindle
1
British
/ ˈkɪndəl /
verb
-
to set alight or start to burn
-
to arouse or be aroused
the project kindled his interest
-
to make or become bright
Kindle
2
British
/ ˈkɪndəl /
noun
Synonym Usage
Kindle, ignite, inflame literally mean to set something on fire. To kindle is to cause something gradually to begin burning; it is often used figuratively: to kindle logs; to kindle someone's interest. To ignite is to set something on fire with a sudden burst of flame; it too is often used figuratively: to ignite straw; to ignite dangerous hatreds. Inflame is most often used figuratively, meaning to intensify, excite, or rouse: to inflame passions.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of kindle1
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English kindlen, from Old Norse kynda (compare Old Norse kindill “torch, candle”) + -le ( def. )
Origin of kindle2
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English kindelen, verb use of kindel “offspring, young,” equivalent to kind- ( Old English gecynd “offspring”) + -el; see -le, kind 2
Explanation
When you start a fire burning, you can say you kindle the fire. Knowing how to kindle a campfire is an important survival skill. It can help keep you warm at night, and keep you from eating cold beans for dinner. The verb kindle not only means to start a fire, but also to catch fire. Another meaning for kindle is to arouse interest or passion. A dynamic music teacher could kindle the students' interest in learning an instrument. Or, romance can also be kindled: "As they danced together, a spark of romance kindled between them."
Vocabulary lists containing kindle
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Asteroid particles offer a glimpse into the chemical ingredients that may have helped kindle life on Earth.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026
No sooner does Steinem kindle the flame of what might be a good story than she douses it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
“Let’s rededicate ourselves to add more light in honor of those murdered in Sydney. Let’s come out proudly to public menorah lightings, and make sure to kindle our own menorahs at home.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 14, 2025
And if you love "Discovery," its devotion to showcasing those who long felt unseen in this franchise may kindle that affection.
From Salon ● Apr. 10, 2024
Overhead, I hear the trilling of birds calling to one another as they roost for the night and see glowing lights kindle in hollow knotholes as sprites come awake.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
So I’ll read a physical book or my Kindle or put on a show that I’ve seen 1,000 times if I just need something to fall asleep.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
The new devices can run Google apps like Gmail, Docs and YouTube – a feature absent from Amazon’s prior tablets – in addition to built-in Amazon apps like Prime Video and Kindle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
"It attracts more attention to have a wonderful cover than a Kindle," said Nogueira.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
Adoption of e-readers like the Kindle and Kobo didn’t replace physical books; and despite the shuttering of mass-market chains like Borders, Waldenbooks and B. Dalton, the last 30 years have seen a reading boom.
From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026
The Kindle DX was launched in May 2009 with a larger 9.7-inch screen for newspapers and magazines.
From The eBook is 40 (1971-2011) by Marie Lebert
Tanton kindles a small fire of twigs inside a metal pitcher, while expounding for the camera about ecology and overpopulation.
From Salon ● Nov. 14, 2024
Whether or not you believe in magic, “A Boy Called Christmas” may be the rare Netflix fare that kindles the holiday spirit.
From New York Times ● Nov. 24, 2021
Even today, after decades of air travel that dehumanizes passengers, Saarinen’s structure elicits delight and kindles old hopes.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 12, 2019
And the Sterling-Risa romance kindles with a slow dance to a jukebox tune.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 23, 2018
Those who have witnessed the workings of a mob, know how swiftly, mysteriously, unreasonably, it kindles under certain influences.
From Out of a Labyrinth by Lawrence L. Lynch
And after rapper Aitch came on the channel, rumours circulated it had kindled a real-life relationship, although neither ever confirmed this.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
Meghan and Prince Harry kindled a romance in 2016 at that year’s edition of his veteran-centered Invictus Games, held in Orlando.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
She argues that Richmond, alienated from the king and disgusted by parliamentary passivity, kindled a printed firestorm in the public sphere.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
For some in Dandong, North Korea's tentative reopening kindled hope of returning home.
From Barron's ● Mar. 29, 2026
At the word hungry a greenish light was kindled in Gollum’s pale eyes, and they seemed to protrude further than ever from his thin sickly face.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
For most planning to host or attend a bonfire on Thursday evening, soggy kindling won't be a cause for concern - although there will be a few areas of wet weather ahead of the festivities.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
But in those circumstances, short sellers provide dry kindling for a conflagration because when the stock jumps, they race to buy it at any price and return borrowed shares.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
An ash tree in my yard dropped a limb and reduced my fence to kindling.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 21, 2026
We matter as much to him as a firestorm cares about kindling.
From Salon ● Mar. 20, 2026
With its final strike, it had sent a fat spark onto the kindling.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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