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:
They also kindle an intrinsic human hope for redemption.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 2026
The Times’ Bill Shaikin has pointed out that geographical realignment would be tied to schedule reform that could help kindle rivalries and encourage fans to visit opposing ballparks that are within driving distance.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 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
Nia Gachon, who has lived in Nantes for 18 years, said the arrival of Welsh people in the city will kindle interest in historical links.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2023
Farid had Dustfinger’s backpack with him, containing all they would need to kindle a quick, hot fire.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
"It attracts more attention to have a wonderful cover than a Kindle," said Nogueira.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
Amazon was pressuring publishers to digitize their backlists for the imminent launch of Kindle.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 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
Kindle a fire for Manike Of the dust of the banyan tree.”
From Fishes, Flowers, and Fire as Elements and Deities in the Phallic Faiths and Worship of the Ancient Religions of Greece, Babylon, by Anonymous
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
When he meets a young rising superstar, their relationship kindles a newfound competitive fire in him, but it risks throwing her off her game.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 13, 2022
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
I do mean only the possibility; but even that nebulous hope kindles a glow, both warming and chilling, you rarely experience at the theater.
From New York Times ● Jul. 2, 2013
The dull fire that fever kindles flickered behind his shadowy eyes.
From Cardigan by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
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
A gift of screenwriting software from girlfriend Zinzi -- now his wife, production partner and mother of their three children -- further kindled his ambition.
From Barron's ● Mar. 16, 2026
Speaking at her late husband’s memorial service on Sept. 21, Erika Kirk said Charlie’s death had kindled a spiritual renewal for many of his followers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2025
The cliff towered into the night, the countless stars were kindled, the wind blew cold, and the doors stood fast.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Wildfires are raging across southwestern Europe after prolonged, record-setting heat waves and low rainfall effectively turned the region’s vegetation into kindling.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 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
It was the excess on show on the social media accounts of politicians' children that provided the kindling for Nepal's Gen Z uprising last year.
From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2026
Old men were trudging up the skinny street with baskets of kindling tied to their backs.
From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
