# spark

/ˈspɑɹk/ (US) · /spˈɑːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spark
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a small bit of fire

noun · CEFR B1

a tiny, glowing piece of fire or hot metal that flies off a larger fire.

For teachers: a small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire, produced by combustion or friction.

- A spark from the campfire landed on his sleeve and burnt a tiny hole.
- The welder wore a heavy leather apron to protect his clothing from the constant shower of sparks flying off the steel beam.

### 2. electricity

noun · CEFR B2

a short flash of electricity between two points.

For teachers: a brief electrical discharge between two conductors.

- There was a blue spark when he plugged in the old toaster.
- The technician noticed a faint spark jumping across the gap in the circuit, indicating a potential short in the wiring.

### 3. a small beginning

noun · CEFR B2

a small amount of a feeling or an idea that could grow into something much bigger.

For teachers: a small amount of a quality or feeling that has the potential to develop into something more significant.

- There was a spark of hope in her eyes when she heard the news.
- The initial spark of interest in the project eventually grew into a nationwide movement for environmental reform.

### 4. romantic attraction

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a feeling of excitement or attraction between two people.

For teachers: a sense of immediate romantic attraction or chemistry between two individuals.

- They went on a second date, but they both felt there was no spark between them.
- Despite their similar backgrounds and shared interests, the two protagonists failed to feel any romantic spark during their first encounter.

### 5. an electrician

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang

a person whose job is to fit and repair electrical equipment.

For teachers: a slang term for an electrician, commonly used in trade environments.

- We need to call a spark to look at the wiring in the new office.
- The site manager spent the morning coordinating with the sparks to ensure the lighting was installed before the plasterers arrived.

### 6. to cause something

verb · CEFR B2

to cause something to start suddenly, especially an argument or a new idea.

For teachers: to trigger or initiate a sudden reaction, process, or event.

- The new law sparked protests across the city.
- The CEO's controversial comments sparked a heated debate among shareholders regarding the company's future direction.

### 7. to produce sparks

verb · CEFR B2

to give off small flashes of light or fire.

For teachers: to emit sparks of fire or electricity.

- The old engine started to spark and smoke as he tried to turn it on.
- The power lines began to spark violently as the storm winds pushed the branches against the high-voltage cables.

## Examples

- A single spark from the campfire started the blaze.
- The teacher's praise provided the spark of confidence the student needed to finish the difficult project.
- Historians often debate whether the assassination was the primary cause of the war or merely the spark that ignited long-standing regional tensions.

---

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.