kindle

¹ American  

[kin-dl] / ˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with object)

kindled, kindling

1. to start (a fire); cause (a flame, blaze, etc.) to begin burning.

   Synonyms:

   light, fire

2. to set fire to or ignite (fuel or any combustible matter).

3. to excite; stir up or set going; animate; rouse; inflame.

   He kindled their hopes of victory.

   Synonyms:

   stimulate, incite, bestir, awaken, arouse

4. to light up, illuminate, or make bright.

   Happiness kindled her eyes.

---

verb (used without object)

kindled, kindling

1. to begin to burn, as combustible matter, a light, fire, or flame.

2. to become aroused or animated.

3. 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

1. (of animals, especially rabbits) to bear (young); produce (offspring).

---

verb (used without object)

kindled, kindling

1. (of animals, especially rabbits) to give birth, as to a litter.

noun

1. a litter of kittens, rabbits, etc.

kindle ¹ British  

/ ˈkɪndəl /

verb

1. to set alight or start to burn

2. to arouse or be aroused

   the project kindled his interest

3. to make or become bright

---

Kindle ² British  

/ ˈkɪndəl /

noun

1. a portable electronic device for downloading and reading books

---

Related Words

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

• kindler noun

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; -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."

Example Sentences

If you liked him you liked it, if not you didn’t, but he did nothing to draw you into his way of thinking, bring you along, increase your confidence, kindle a little faith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 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

“That’s a very statesmanlike response, and a reason to kindle hope, if he hadn’t said it directly into a scoop of mint chip.”

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2024

They were at the woodpile, gathering a pan of chips to kindle the fire in the morning.

From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Related Words

• arouse
• awaken
• foment
• inflame
• inspire
• provoke
• rouse
• sharpen
• stimulate
• stir
• whet
• work up