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

We matter as much to him as a firestorm cares about kindling.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

It was the excess on show on the social media accounts of politicians' children that provided the kindling for Nepal's Gen Z uprising last year.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

“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 • Oct. 4, 2024

Among the tasks: fabricating plastic Christmas trees, building garden sheds, ripping pallets into kindling, and sorting metal in the junkyard.

From Seattle Times • May 26, 2024

Plus, we have a sub—a bald guy with legs like kindling sticks and his name safety-pinned to his shirt like a kindergartener whose mom thought he might forget.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko