kindling

[ kind-ling ]

noun

1. material that can be readily ignited, used in starting a fire.
2. the act of one who kindles. kindle.

kindling

/ ˈkɪndlɪŋ /

noun

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

Other Words From

• un·kindling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kindling¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; kindle ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It wound up demonstrating how difficult it will be to do anything about the factors and incentives that contribute the kindling.

From Washington Post

Hiller opens a barrel, lifts out wood particles and pieces of kindling, and lets them run through his fingers.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

His riff toward the end when he bragged about winning three times in a blue state just might have been the kindling.

From The Daily Beast

The new health care ads are designed to jack up sentiments to the kindling point.

From The Daily Beast

Tim got down on the hearth and began piling paper and kindling and logs in the fireplace.

From Project Gutenberg

"The Church is very just," the priest answered him, more sternly still, a holy wrath kindling his sombre eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Her eyes, now kindling again as she recovered from her recent fears, sought Fortunio's shifty glance.

From Project Gutenberg

"It would be idle," came Wilding's icy voice to quench the gleam of hope kindling anew in Richard's breast.

From Project Gutenberg

The terrible, slow-kindling anger of this Northerner made Durnovo catch his breath.

From Project Gutenberg