Definition

A container made of metal used to hold tinder and often includes tools like flint and steel to start a fire.

Example

The campers packed a tinderbox to ensure they could start a fire easily in the wilderness.

Conversation

Did you hear about that old building downtown?

Yeah, they say it's a real tinderbox with all the issues it has.

I wouldn't be surprised if something happened there soon.

Exactly, it seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tinderbox is formed from "tinder" (from Old English *tyndre*, meaning a material used to catch fire) and "box" (from Old English *box*, meaning a container). A tinderbox is a container used to hold tinder for starting a fire.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'container' ('box') that holds 'material for fire' ('tinder') — that's what a tinderbox is used for.

Visually Confused Words