fire starters

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   small objects or devices used to help start a fire, especially for camping or lighting a stove

   Grammar: Plural noun; the singular is 'fire starter'. Use 'a pair of fire starters' or 'a fire starter' for one item.

   Patterns

   • use fire starters
   • fire starters for something
   • a pack of fire starters

   We packed fire starters for the camping trip.

   These fire starters are made from wax and sawdust.

   He bought a box of fire starters to light the barbecue.

2. 2nounpluraldisapproving

   people who deliberately start fires, especially in a way that is dangerous or illegal

   Grammar: Plural noun; the singular is 'fire starter'. Often used with 'the' to refer to a group.

   Patterns

   • the fire starters
   • accuse someone of being a fire starter

   The police are looking for the fire starters who set the barn alight.

   Some fire starters cause damage without thinking about the danger.

Word forms

Common combinations

pack fire starters

Don't forget to pack fire starters for the hike.

a box of fire starters

She kept a box of fire starters near the fireplace.

use fire starters

You can use fire starters to get the damp wood burning.

fire starters for camping

These fire starters for camping are light and easy to carry.

Synonyms and how they differ

kindling

Kindling is small dry wood or twigs that catch fire easily; fire starters are usually manufactured blocks or devices.

tinder

Tinder is very dry material that catches a spark; fire starters are often larger and burn longer.

Word family

fire noun

the flames, heat, and light produced by burning

firelighter noun

a British word for a small block used to light a fire

Commonly confused: fire starters or firecrackers?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fire starters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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