kindling

[ kind-ling ]

/ ˈkɪnd lɪŋ /

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noun

material that can be readily ignited, used in starting a fire.

the act of one who kindles.

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Origin of kindling

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at kindle¹, -ing¹

OTHER WORDS FROM kindling

un·kin·dling, adjective

Words nearby kindling

kindhearted, kindjal, kindle, kindless, kindliness, kindling, kindly, kindness, kind of, kindred, kindred spirit

How to use kindling in a sentence

It wound up demonstrating how difficult it will be to do anything about the factors and incentives that contribute the kindling.
The ugly Paul Gosar debate|Aaron Blake|November 18, 2021|Washington Post
Hiller opens a barrel, lifts out wood particles and pieces of kindling, and lets them run through his fingers.
Brooklyn’s Booming Firewood Industry|Dale Eisinger|July 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He is a slightly built New Englander, in tie and shirtsleeves, whose sense of humor is about as dry and incendiary as kindling.
Joe McQuaid: Union Leader Publisher Is GOP Kingmaker in New Hampshire|Lloyd Grove|December 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
His riff toward the end when he bragged about winning three times in a blue state just might have been the kindling.
How Santorum Would Destroy America|Michael Tomasky|October 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The new health care ads are designed to jack up sentiments to the kindling point.
The Scariest Health Care Ads|Adam Hanft|August 15, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Tim got down on the hearth and began piling paper and kindling and logs in the fireplace.
The Soldier of the Valley|Nelson Lloyd
"The Church is very just," the priest answered him, more sternly still, a holy wrath kindling his sombre eyes.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Her eyes, now kindling again as she recovered from her recent fears, sought Fortunio's shifty glance.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
"It would be idle," came Wilding's icy voice to quench the gleam of hope kindling anew in Richard's breast.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
The terrible, slow-kindling anger of this Northerner made Durnovo catch his breath.
With Edged Tools|Henry Seton Merriman

British Dictionary definitions for kindling

kindling

/ (ˈkɪndlɪŋ) /

noun

material for starting a fire, such as dry wood, straw, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

kindling

COMPARE MEANINGS

Origin of kindling

OTHER WORDS FROM kindling

Words nearby kindling

Words related to kindling

How to use kindling in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for kindling