kindled; kindling
ˈkin(d)-liŋ 
ˈkin-dᵊl-iŋ
1
: to start (a fire) burning : light
using dry twigs to kindle a fire
3
: to cause to glow : illuminate
animation kindling his pale face—
A. J. Cronin
A. J. Cronin1
: to catch fire : begin to burn
waiting for the fire to kindle
2
a
: to flare up
… their mutual resentment again kindled …—Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon
b
: to become animated
no boy will fail to kindle to the struggles of his California youth—Ethna Sheehan
Ethna Sheehan3
: to become illuminated
light kindled in the liquor—Frances G. Patton
Frances G. Patton
kindled; kindling
: bear sense 3a
—used especially of a rabbit
: to bring forth young
—used especially of a rabbit
Synonyms
Examples of kindle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebAmy Chang Chien, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
For young people, the dissent that briefly kindled protests against pandemic lockdowns has settled into a malaise of vague discontent.
—Christina Knight, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2024
Another influence was her Aunt Eileen, a seamstress who kindled Thomas’s love of design.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024
Longevity medicine practitioners like Peter Attia have amassed large followings on social media — and kindled excitement about rapamycin.
—Daniel Gilbert, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
Their goal extends to kindling emotions, eliciting thoughts, and ensuring a lasting impression.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024
With Nadeau’s desire to make meaning of the numbers and find purpose in her own life’s impact, LOOP’s fire was kindled.
—Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
That decision may serve as the kindling other college basketball players need to unionize their teams.
—Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024
Their achievements kindled national pride and inspired aspiring racers nationwide, dispelling the notion that Formula 1 was solely a European domain and showcasing American excellence on a global stage.
—Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024
Verb
Editors’ Picks Some pushback from China over the deaths of the two Chinese men on Feb. 14 near Kinmen was foreseeable, especially given that Taiwan is always kindling for nationalist ire.
—Amy Chang Chien, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024
For young people, the dissent that briefly kindled protests against pandemic lockdowns has settled into a malaise of vague discontent.
—Christina Knight, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2024
Another influence was her Aunt Eileen, a seamstress who kindled Thomas’s love of design.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Mar. 2024
Longevity medicine practitioners like Peter Attia have amassed large followings on social media — and kindled excitement about rapamycin.
—Daniel Gilbert, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
Their goal extends to kindling emotions, eliciting thoughts, and ensuring a lasting impression.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024
With Nadeau’s desire to make meaning of the numbers and find purpose in her own life’s impact, LOOP’s fire was kindled.
—Pauleanna Reid, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
That decision may serve as the kindling other college basketball players need to unionize their teams.
—Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024
Their achievements kindled national pride and inspired aspiring racers nationwide, dispelling the notion that Formula 1 was solely a European domain and showcasing American excellence on a global stage.
—Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kindle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near kindle
Cite this Entry
“Kindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kindle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
kindle
intransitive verb
kin·dle
ˈkin-dᵊl
kindled; kindling
: to bring forth young
—used chiefly of a rabbit
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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