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spark

SPARK/spɑɹk/UKSPAHK/spɑːk/

Verbsparks, sparking, sparked

Noun pluralsparks

15 meanings of spark

Practice

  1. 1
    triggerverbfigurativelytransitive
    To cause something like an argument or idea to suddenly begin.

    Like a match that starts a big fire from one small flame.

    Her question sparked a long debate among the students.

    One careless comment can spark an argument.

    UsageSay spark a debate or spark protests.

    Similartrigger, ignite, provoke, prompt, spur

    Oppositequell, stifle, suppress, dampen

    Note
  2. 2
    seed of feelingnounfigurativelycountable
    A small first feeling or idea that could grow into something much bigger.

    Like a tiny seed that can grow into a tall tree.

    There was a spark of interest in her eyes when he mentioned the trip.

    They felt a spark between them on their first date.

    UsageSay a spark of hope.

    Similarhint, glimmer, trace, bit, germ

    Note
  3. 3
    bit of firenouncountable
    A tiny bit of fire or quick flash of light made by burning, rubbing hard things together, or electricity.

    Like the tiny flash you sometimes see when you touch a metal door handle.

    A spark jumped between the two wires when they touched.

    You might see a small spark when you unplug the charger.

  4. 4
    start a fireverbtransitive
    To set something on fire or get it burning.

    Like using a match to light a candle.

    He used a flint to spark the dry kindling.

    She sparked the campfire with a single match.

    Similarignite, light, kindle

    Oppositeextinguish, douse, snuff

  5. 5
    send out flashesverbintransitive
    To send out small bits of fire or flashes of electricity.

    Like a firework that throws out little flashes of light.

    The old wires began to spark when the power came back on.

    The campfire sparked and crackled in the wind.

    Similararc, crackle, flash, sputter

  6. 6
    tiny lightnouncountable
    A tiny point of light that shines briefly and then fades.

    Like the quick twinkle of a star far away.

    A spark of light flashed on the surface of the lake.

    She saw a spark glittering among the pebbles.

    Similarglint, sparkle, scintillation, scintilla

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of spark apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–8, 12

From Old English spearca. It may come from an old root meaning 'lively' or 'to scatter, sprinkle'.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Meanings 9–11

Probably from a Scandinavian source, like Old Norse sparkr meaning 'sprightly'.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts