Skip to main content
candle

candle

451 1.0
A stick or block of wax with a wick that you burn for light
  • noun
  • /ˈkændl/
translation icon : vela
  • The teacher then asked Amir to blow out the candles, which he did after strenuous effort.
  • light candles
  • candle flame
  • burning candles

You should have a candle in the dining room.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • In the bedroom, he left her to light several candles about the room.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • I light a candle for her every week.

  • Here we just light the candle and I stick it in the boat.

  • You should have a candle in the dining room.

  • Blow the candles out and then we'll cut the cake.

  • I come by the store to pick up some candles for your ceremony.

  • Some candles smell good and some candles look good.

  • All right, now go blow out all those candles and make that wish come true.

  • May I light the candles, ma'am?

  • I like to light a candle when I read in the evening.

Synonyms

scented candle
vscandle
11 2.5

A small wax object that smells nice when you burn it

is primarily for producing light without added scent
votive
vscandle
6 8.0

A small candle often lit for prayers or wishes

is the usual wax source for light not tied to rituals
taper
vscandle
3 6.3

A long thin candle used for light

is a general wax block rather than a slim form
dip
vscandle
1 7.4

A candle made by putting a wick into wax many times

is a regular wax light not defined by its making process
wax light
vscandle
6.2

A stick of wax with a wick that gives light

is the general block of wax burned to give light
vigil candle
vscandle
6.2

A small candle lit in a church for prayer or memory

is used for ordinary lighting rather than devotional acts
rush candle
vscandle
  • Archaic
9.9

A candle that uses a plant stem as the wick and animal fat to make light

is the common wax light not using a plant stem as wick

Idioms

To work late at night and early in the morning so you become very tired

9.1

A person or thing that is fragile and easily hurt by difficulties

Easily hurt or upset in your feelings

Something very fragile that people or events can easily destroy

Compounds

A small wax object that smells nice when you burn it

3 4.2

A firework that shoots colored balls or sparks into the air

1 1.0

A small bright light on top of a burning candle

An object that holds candles upright

standard candle
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A standard measure of how bright a light is, originally based on a candle

To use time or money in a way that gives no useful result

9.9

A former unit for how bright a light is, replaced by the candela

rush candle
  • Archaic
9.9

A candle that uses a plant stem as the wick and animal fat to make light

A tall desert plant with a long stem of creamy white flowers

A small candle lit in a church for prayer or memory

How Bright

candle
451 1.0
taper
3 6.3

Surface Forms

candle singular
candles plural

Etymology

Candle comes from the old Latin word candela, from the root candere meaning 'to shine'. A candle is literally something that 'shines', so this old root explains why the word means a wax light with a wick.