kindling

1 of 2

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin(d)-liŋ How to pronounce kindling (audio)
ˈkin-lən
Synonyms of kindlingnext
: easily combustible material for starting a fire

kindling

2 of 2

present participle of kindle entry 1, kindle entry 2

Examples of kindling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Corruption was endemic, and the country’s deeper troubles—its poverty, its social inequities, and the hopeless conditions that drive millions of Nepalis to emigrate for work—endured, laying the kindling for last year’s explosion. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 Its pre-drilled holes allow for proper drainage, preventing the kindling from storing moisture and rotting. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026 Note how there is no dry, flammable kindling of commotion in us whenever thought is feeling the peace of being fixed on what God is and does. — Mark Swinney, Christian Science Monitor, 21 July 2026 That’s the flint, but that’s not the kindling. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kindling

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kindling was circa 1522

Rhymes for kindling

See All Rhymes for kindling

Browse Nearby Words

kindliness
kindling
kindling temperature
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kindling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

kindling

noun
kin·​dling ˈkin-(d)liŋ How to pronounce kindling (audio)
: material that burns easily and is used to start a fire

Medical Definition

kindling

noun
kind·​ling ˈkin-dliŋ How to pronounce kindling (audio)
: the electrophysiological changes that occur in the brain as a result of repeated intermittent exposure to a subthreshold electrical or chemical stimulus (as one causing seizures) so that there develops a usually permanent decrease in the threshold of excitability

More from Merriam-Webster on kindling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kindling

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