1
a
: a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed
b
: a hot glowing particle struck from a larger mass
especially
: one heated by friction
2
a
: a luminous disruptive electrical discharge of very short duration between two conductors separated by a gas (such as air)
b
: the discharge in a spark plug
c
: the mechanism controlling the discharge in a spark plug
4
: something that sets off a sudden force
provided the spark that helped the team to rally
5
: a latent particle capable of growth or developing : germ
still retains a spark of decency
6
sparks plural in form but singular in construction
: a radio operator on a ship
sparked; sparking; sparks
1
a
: to throw out sparks
b
: to flash or fall like sparks
2
: to produce sparks
specifically
: to have the electric ignition working
3
: to respond with enthusiasm
Synonyms
Examples of spark in a Sentence
Noun (1)
not a spark of interest in the actress's memoirs
Verb (1)
the broken radio sparked and smoked the instant it was plugged in
interesting questions that are designed to spark the reader's brain
President Kennedy's inspirational speeches sparked a generation of young idealists to enter the public arena
Recent Examples on the Web
Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Each object within their home sparks etched memories and emotional tension.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
With conditions like this, more fires could be sparking across the country even late into autumn.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spark 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Noun
The rebel spark in my heart, though, wasn’t completely snuffed.
—Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Each object within their home sparks etched memories and emotional tension.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
This not only sparks creativity but also results in tangible items to enjoy throughout the season.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
With conditions like this, more fires could be sparking across the country even late into autumn.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spark
Dictionary Entries Near spark
Cite this Entry
“Spark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spark
1 of 3 noun1
a
: a small bit of a burning material
b
: a hot glowing bit struck from a mass
2
: a short bright flash of electricity between two points
4
: a small amount that could grow into something larger
still has a spark of decency
spark
2 of 3 verb1
: to give off or cause to give off sparks
2
: to cause to get going
the question sparked quite an argument
sparked the team to victory
Etymology
Noun
Old English spearca "spark"
Verb
from earlier spark (noun) "a foolish young man, boyfriend"
Biographical Definition
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