noun
-
a box used formerly for holding tinder, esp one fitted with a flint and steel
-
a person or thing that is particularly touchy or explosive
Etymology
Origin of tinderbox
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Drought and heat waves made much of Europe a tinderbox this summer, with wildfires raging across parts of Spain, France and Greece.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026
He said the country was a "tinderbox" and warned the coming weekend could be difficult, while promising extra support for emergency services.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Extreme heat has parched vegetation that grew vigorously during wet weather earlier in the year, creating tinderbox conditions.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
Now that tinderbox is going up in flames.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
She reached into the backpack again and pulled out the matches and the tinderbox.
From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
