kindling

American  

[kind-ling] / ˈkɪnd lɪŋ /

noun

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

2. the act of one who kindles. kindle.

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kindling British  

/ ˈkɪndlɪŋ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• unkindling adjective

Etymology

Origin of kindling

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

Compare meaning

How does kindling compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• tinder vs. kindling

Example Sentences

Adding kindling to the social media firestorm, other X users resurfaced previous clips of B. Simone noting that she preferred men who were entrepreneurs over those who worked 9-to-5 jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

California has tens of millions of dead trees to serve as kindling for the next mega-fire, yet no single entity has sufficient authority or resources to address the threat.

From Los Angeles Times

But just as some trees and plants withstood the Eaton and Palisades fires, others went up like kindling.

From Los Angeles Times

They might as well have used their ballots for fireplace kindling.

From Los Angeles Times

“Surveillance footage shows a suspect collecting rubbish from a public trash can, also collecting wood for kindling and placing it near the base of a power pole,” said Scott, describing the Oct.

From Los Angeles Times