kindle
verb (used with object)
to start (a fire); cause (a flame, blaze, etc.) to begin burning.
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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:
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
The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 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
Kakuma was pitch black at night on those days because nobody bothered to kindle a cooking fire.
From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau
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
Amazon's Kindle has its own version: "Ask this Book," described as an "expert reading assistant" that answers questions about plot and characters "without disrupting your reading flow."
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 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
Can reading devices like Sony Reader and Kindle really compete with cellphones and smartphones?
From A Short History of EBooks 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
What breast but kindles at the martial sound?
From The Poems of Philip Freneau, Volume I (of III) by Philip Freneau
Still, the scenes kindled a sense of something rare stirring: hope.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
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
Adams kindled a professional interest in tech in 2001 after a computer scientist who designed algorithms for air-traffic control invited him to visit MIT’s Media Lab.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026
He rose and came towards me, and I saw his face all kindled, and his full falcon-eye flashing, and tenderness and passion in every lineament.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
A history of fire suppression and bans on indigenous cultural burning has also allowed more kindling to accumulate on the forest floor.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 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
In California, overgrown vegetation that turned to kindling amid record-breaking heat fueled the Park fire after it sparked in July.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2024
Behind him the bear was kindling a fire, and Lyra watched, curious despite her sorrow.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
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