kindling

[ kind-ling ]
/ ˈkɪnd lɪŋ /

noun

material that can be readily ignited, used in starting a fire.
the act of one who kindles.

Origin of kindling

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at kindle1, -ing1

OTHER WORDS FROM kindling

un·kin·dling, adjective

Definition for kindling (2 of 3)

kindle 1
[ kin-dl ]
/ ˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with object), kin·dled, kin·dling.

to start (a fire); cause (a flame, blaze, etc.) to begin burning.
to set fire to or ignite (fuel or any combustible matter).
to excite; stir up or set going; animate; rouse; inflame: He kindled their hopes of victory.
to light up, illuminate, or make bright: Happiness kindled her eyes.

verb (used without object), kin·dled, kin·dling.

Origin of kindle

1
1150–1200; Middle English kindlen < Old Norse kynda; compare Old Norse kindill torch, candle

synonym study for kindle

1–3. Kindle, ignite, inflame literally mean to set something on fire. To kindle is to cause something gradually to begin burning; it is often used figuratively: to kindle logs; to kindle someone's interest. To ignite is to set something on fire with a sudden burst of flame; it too is often used figuratively: to ignite straw; to ignite dangerous hatreds. Inflame is most often used figuratively, meaning to intensify, excite, or rouse: to inflame passions.

OTHER WORDS FROM kindle

kin·dler, noun

Definition for kindling (3 of 3)

kindle 2
[ kin-dl ]
/ ˈkɪn dl /

verb (used with object), kin·dled, kin·dling.

(of animals, especially rabbits) to bear (young); produce (offspring).

verb (used without object), kin·dled, kin·dling.

(of animals, especially rabbits) to give birth, as to a litter.

noun

a litter of kittens, rabbits, etc.

Origin of kindle

2
1175–1225; Middle English kindelen, v. use of kindel offspring, young, equivalent to kind- (Old English gecynd offspring; see kind2) + -el -le

Example sentences from the Web for kindling

British Dictionary definitions for kindling (1 of 3)

kindling
/ (ˈkɪndlɪŋ) /

noun

material for starting a fire, such as dry wood, straw, etc

British Dictionary definitions for kindling (2 of 3)

kindle
/ (ˈkɪndəl) /

verb

to set alight or start to burn
to arouse or be aroused the project kindled his interest
to make or become bright

Derived forms of kindle

kindler, noun

Word Origin for kindle

C12: from Old Norse kynda, influenced by Old Norse kyndill candle

British Dictionary definitions for kindling (3 of 3)

Kindle
/ (ˈkɪndəl) /

noun

trademark a portable electronic device for downloading and reading books