TINDERBOX

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does tinderbox mean? 

• TINDERBOX (noun)
  The noun TINDERBOX has 2 senses:

1. a dangerous state of affairs; a situation that is a potential source of violence

2. a box for holding tinder

  Familiarity information: TINDERBOX used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TINDERBOX (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A dangerous state of affairs; a situation that is a potential source of violence

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Context example:

the Balkans are the tinderbox of Europe

Hypernyms ("tinderbox" is a kind of...):

situation (a complex or critical or unusual difficulty)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A box for holding tinder

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("tinderbox" is a kind of...):

box (a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid)