How do you use the word "spark" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "spark": A small spark often kindles a large flame. You really ought to change your spark plugs.

Spark Meaning

/ˈspɑːk/

Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounA small particle of glowing matter, either molten or on fire, resulting from an electrical surge or excessive heat created by friction.

nounA short or small burst of electrical discharge.

Sentence Examples

A small spark often kindles a large flame.

You really ought to change your spark plugs.

The proposal would spark a storm of protest around the country.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

trip light sparkle

Antonyms:

None

CEFR Practice Quiz

A tiny ____ from the fireplace can quickly start a house fire.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

A small ____ from the campfire landed on the dry grass, and it almost started a dangerous brush fire.

Word Origin & History

Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *sparkō Old English spearca Middle English sparke English spark From Middle English sparke, sperke, from Old English spearca, from Proto-West Germanic *sparkō (compare Saterland Frisian Spoorke, West Frisian spark, Dutch spark, German Low German Sparke, German Sparke), perhaps from Proto-Germanic *sparkaz (“lively, energetic”), from Proto-Indo-European *sperg- (“to strew, sprinkle”) (compare Breton erc’h (“snow”), Latin spargō (“to scatter, spread”), sparsus (“scattered”), Lithuanian sprógti (“to germinate”), Ancient Greek σπαργάω (spargáō, “to swell”), Avestan 𐬟𐬭𐬀𐬯𐬞𐬀𐬭𐬈𐬔𐬀 (frasparega, “branch, twig”), Sanskrit पर्जन्य (parjanya, “rain, rain god”)).

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"if any spark of life be yet remaining" — c. 1591–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Third Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene vi]:

"When the latter disk showed some sparks, Moman contacted MGM's Jim Vienneau, who picked up the waxing for national release." — 1990, Wayne Jancik, The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders, →ISBN, page 173:

"Everton's Marouane Fellaini looks one certain arrival but Moyes, who also saw United held to a draw by Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday, needs even more of a spark in a midfield that looked laboured by this team's standards." — 2013 September 1, Phil McNulty, BBC Sport:

"At the other extreme, with limitless budgets all they have to do is dream up amazing lighting rigs to be constructed and operated by the huge team of gaffers and sparks, with their generators, discharge lights, flags, gobos and brutes." — 1999, Des Lyver, Graham Swainson, Basics of Video Lighting, page 103:

"The introduction of substitute Andy Carroll sparked Liverpool into life and he pulled a goal back just after the hour - and thought he had equalised as Kenny Dalglish's side laid siege to Chelsea's goal in the closing stages." — 2012 May 5, Phil McNulty, “Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool”, in BBC Sport:

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