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

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy - adding it to a select list of global cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's sublime food.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

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 • Jun. 23, 2025

These conditions cause plants to die and become kindling for wildfires.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2024

“Anything else you need me to do?” she asked her father once she’d piled the kindling by the logs.

From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper