Kindling

Full definition of kindling

Noun

1. small pieces of wood and twigs used to start a fire.Go and collect some kindling.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 3, When the flames at last began to flicker and subside, his lids fluttered, then drooped ; but he had lost all reckoning of time when he opened them again to find Miss Erroll in furs kneeling on the hearth and heaping kindling on the coals, and her pretty little Alsatian maid beside her, laying a log across the andirons.
2. The act by which something is kindled.the kindlings of love

Usage notes

Kindling refers to the second stage of building a fire: tinder is used to light kindling, which then lights the main fire.

Coordinate terms

• tinder

Verb

1. Present participle of kindleDespite the damp wood, he had no trouble kindling a fire.