1. Small pieces of dry wood, straw, or other material used to start a fire
Usage: Usually used in plural form; Countable noun
2. The act or process of igniting or starting something, especially a fire
Usage: Gerund or abstract noun form; Less common than the first sense

Examples

• We gathered kindlings from the forest floor to build our campfire.
• The camper arranged the kindlings in a teepee shape before lighting them.
• Dry kindlings caught fire quickly in the cold morning air.
• She used newspaper and small kindlings to start the fireplace.
• The kindlings crackled as the flames grew larger.
• Without proper kindlings, it's difficult to get a fire started in damp conditions.