kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin(d)-liŋ 

ˈkin-lən

: easily combustible material for starting a fire

Examples of kindling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hundreds of fires have started across southern and coastal Georgia, with dozens of new fires every day, and officials say drought conditions provided the kindling. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Then her husband, Kasoun, covers his hands in towels and picks up the metal tray with the kindling, bricks and clay pot and places it outside. —Diaa Hadid, NPR, 16 Apr. 2026

The Dodgers entered Saturday with the best record in MLB and leading the National League in several offensive categories, and the Texas Rangers continued to add kindling to the fire. —Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026

This should make light work of precisely slicing through leather and fabrics, opening packages, and preparing kindling and food. —New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kindling

• swindling
• rekindling

Kids Definition

kindling

noun

kin·​dling ˈkin-(d)liŋ 

: material that burns easily and is used to start a fire

Medical Definition

kindling

noun

kind·​ling ˈkin-dliŋ 

: 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