1 C1 idiomatic informal
to light a cigarette, cigar, or joint and begin smoking it
"He stepped outside to spark up a cigarette after dinner."
both
spark up
C1 informal both transitive/intransitive
to light a cigarette or suddenly begin something lively such as a conversation
In plain English
to start smoking or start talking in an energetic way
What does "spark up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
to begin a lively conversation, argument, or reaction
"Her comment sparked up a debate that lasted all evening."
both
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to make something produce a spark and start
Actually means
to start smoking or start talking in an energetic way
Usage tip
Most common in informal British and Irish English for lighting a cigarette. It can also be used more loosely for starting a lively chat or reaction.
Words that pair with "spark up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cigarette joint conversation chat argument engine
How to conjugate "spark up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spark up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sparks up
he/she/it
Past simple
sparked up
yesterday
Past participle
sparked up
have + pp
-ing form
sparking up
continuous
Hear "spark up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "spark up"
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