kindling

[ kind-ling ]

/ ˈkɪnd lɪŋ /

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See synonyms for kindling on Thesaurus.com

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

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

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