# kindle

/ˈkɪndəɫ/ (US) · /kˈɪndəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kindle
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to start a fire

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to start a fire or make something start burning.

For teachers: to set fire to or ignite a combustible material. Transitive when used with an object like 'fire' or 'coals'.

- He used small dry sticks to kindle the campfire in the woods.
- The campers gathered dry brushwood and birch bark to kindle a small blaze before the damp evening air could settle in.

Usage: Often used with 'fire', 'flame', or 'coals'.

### 2. to inspire a feeling

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to start a strong feeling, such as interest, hope, or love.

For teachers: to arouse, inspire, or call forth an emotion or interest. Frequently used in the passive voice or with abstract nouns.

- The teacher's stories helped kindle a love of history in the students.
- The professor's lecture on ancient civilizations served to kindle a lifelong fascination with archaeology in several of her undergraduate students.

### 3. a group of kittens

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a rare word for a group of kittens born at the same time.

For teachers: a collective noun for a brood or litter of kittens.

- The old book mentioned a kindle of kittens hiding in the barn.
- In traditional venery prose, one might encounter the term 'kindle' to describe a litter of kittens, though the term has largely vanished from modern usage.

Teaching tip: This sense is extremely rare and archaic; learners should use 'litter' in modern contexts.

## Examples

- We used dry leaves to kindle the campfire.
- The teacher's passionate lecture helped kindle a lifelong interest in history for many of the students.
- The author's early experiences in the wilderness served to kindle a profound environmental consciousness that would eventually define her entire body of literary work.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.