tinderbox

American  

[tin-der-boks] / ˈtɪn dərˌbɒks /

noun

1. a box for holding tinder, usually fitted with a flint and steel.

2. a person or thing that is highly excitable, explosive, inflammable, etc.; a potential source of widespread violence.

   Berlin was the tinderbox of Europe.

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tinderbox British  

/ ˈtɪndəˌbɒks /

noun

1. a box used formerly for holding tinder, esp one fitted with a flint and steel

2. a person or thing that is particularly touchy or explosive

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Etymology

Origin of tinderbox

First recorded in 1520–30; tinder + box ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tinderbox

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

Unfortunately, that created what Pill described as a tinderbox, ignited by the energy crisis after Russia invaded Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

Meanwhile Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the country is like "a tinderbox" as fire crews in the West Midlands continue to battle multiple blazes.

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

Squirreled away in them I had string and wax, some dried apple, a tinderbox, a marble in a small leather sack, a pouch of salt, hook-needle and gut.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss