kindling
[ kind-ling ]
/ ˈkɪnd lɪŋ /
noun
material that can be readily ignited, used in starting a fire.
the act of one who kindles.
Nearby words
kindhearted, kindjal, kindle, kindless, kindliness, kindling, kindly, kindness, kindred, kindred spirit, kindu
Related forms
un·kin·dling, adjectiveDefinition for kindling (2 of 3)
kindle
1[ kin-dl ]
/ ˈkɪn dl /
verb (used with object), kin·dled, kin·dling.
to start (a fire); cause (a flame, blaze, etc.) to begin burning.
to set fire to or ignite (fuel or any combustible matter).
to excite; stir up or set going; animate; rouse; inflame: He kindled their hopes of victory.
to light up, illuminate, or make bright: Happiness kindled her eyes.
verb (used without object), kin·dled, kin·dling.
Origin of kindle
11150–1200; Middle English kindlen < Old Norse kynda; compare Old Norse kindill torch, candle
Related forms
kin·dler, nounSynonym study
1–3. 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.
Definition for kindling (3 of 3)
kindle
2[ kin-dl ]
/ ˈkɪn dl /
verb (used with object), kin·dled, kin·dling.
(of animals, especially rabbits) to bear (young); produce (offspring).
verb (used without object), kin·dled, kin·dling.
(of animals, especially rabbits) to give birth, as to a litter.
noun
a litter of kittens, rabbits, etc.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for kindling
British Dictionary definitions for kindling (1 of 3)
kindling
/ (ˈkɪndlɪŋ) /
noun
material for starting a fire, such as dry wood, straw, etc
British Dictionary definitions for kindling (2 of 3)
kindle
/ (ˈkɪndəl) /
verb
to set alight or start to burn
to arouse or be arousedthe project kindled his interest
to make or become bright
Derived Forms
kindler, nounWord Origin for kindle
C12: from Old Norse kynda, influenced by Old Norse kyndill candle
British Dictionary definitions for kindling (3 of 3)
Kindle
/ (ˈkɪndəl) /
noun
trademark a portable electronic device for downloading and reading books
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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