ignition

IPA/ɪɡˈnɪʃn/
KK[ˌɪɡnˈɪʃən]IPA/ɪɡˈnɪʃn/

ignition — noun

  • ignitionsingular
  • ignitionsplural

1. The set of electronic parts in a vehicle that creates a spark to make the fuel b

1.nounB2
Definition

The set of electronic parts in a vehicle that creates a spark to make the fuel burn so the engine can start running.

Example

Chidi turned the key in the ignition, but the engine only made a clicking sound.

collocation: turn the key in the ignition

The mechanic checked the ignition system and found a loose wire.

collocation: ignition system

Common collocations
  • turn the ignition
  • the ignition key
  • ignition switch
  • ignition system
  • ignition light
  • leave the keys in the ignition
  • take the keys out of the ignition
Synonyms
  • ignition system

    the full technical term; more precise in formal or repair contexts

  • ignition switch

    refers specifically to the slot or mechanism where the key is inserted

  • starter

    the electric motor that cranks the engine, a different but related part

Grammar Patterns

the ignition

ignition + noun (system, switch, key)

in the ignition

Usage Note

In everyday speech, 'ignition' often refers to both the physical key slot and the whole electrical starting system. Common verb partners: 'turn', 'switch on/off', 'leave'.

Common Mistakes

She put the keys in the engine and turned them.
She put the keys in the ignition and turned them.
The key goes into the ignition switch, not directly into the engine.

2. The moment when a substance or material first catches fire, or the process of ma

2.nounB2
Definition

The moment when a substance or material first catches fire, or the process of making something start to burn.

Example

The campfire wood reached its ignition point after Mira added dry leaves.

collocation: ignition point

Spontaneous ignition of oily rags in a warm garage can cause a serious fire.

collocation: spontaneous ignition

Common collocations
  • ignition point
  • ignition temperature
  • spontaneous ignition
  • ignition source
  • undergo ignition
  • ignition of a substance
Synonyms
  • combustion

    more technical; refers to the chemical reaction itself rather than the initial moment

  • kindling

    old-fashioned or literary; refers to lighting a fire with small materials

  • inflammation

    specialised; used mainly in chemistry and medicine (not related to the medical sense)

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

ignition of + noun

adjective + ignition (spontaneous, electrical, immediate)

Usage Note

Frequently used in safety warnings, science writing, and technical manuals. Subject is typically a material ('the rags', 'the gas') or a heat source. Often modified by adjectives such as 'spontaneous', 'immediate', 'electrical'.

Common Mistakes

The ignition of the car happened when I turned the key.
The car started when I turned the key in the ignition.
Sense 1 is for the car part; sense 2 is for fire or burning. Do not mix them.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four terms relate to starting a car engine but refer to different parts. 'Ignition' (or 'ignition system') covers the whole electrical setup — coil, distributor, spark plugs, and wiring — that creates the spark. 'Ignition switch' is specifically the slot where the key goes; it activates the system. The 'starter' (or 'starter motor') is the electric motor that physically turns the engine over until it runs on its own. A car needs both working systems: you can turn the ignition switch, but if the starter is broken, the engine won't crank. Conversely, a working starter can't help if the ignition system has a dead coil. In common speech, drivers often say 'I turned the ignition' to mean turning the key in the ignition switch, even though technically the ignition system is much larger.

ignition systemignition switchstarter ↗starter motor

Common collocations

Nouns

  • ignition key
  • ignition system
  • ignition switch
  • ignition coil
  • ignition point
  • ignition temperature
  • ignition source

Phrases

  • turn the ignition
  • leave the keys in the ignition
  • spontaneous ignition

Prepositions

  • in the ignition
  • out of the ignition
  • ignition of
  • at ignition

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'ignis' meaning 'fire', passing through French before entering English in the early 1600s. The original meaning was simply 'the act of setting on fire'. The automotive meaning — the electrical system that starts a car by producing a spark — emerged in the early 1900s as gasoline-powered vehicles became common. The two modern senses (the car part and the process of burning) share the same fire-starting core idea but diverged as engine technology developed.