WordGarden.iocandle
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈændəl/
US
- /ˈkændəl/
Meanings
Noun
a wax stick with a wick that burns to give light
a candlestick price bar on a financial chart
Verb
to inspect an egg by holding it against light
Beyond the definition
A candle isn't just about soft light; it's a little story of transformation. It's a solid piece of wax, with a woven wick at its heart, brought to life by a flame. Candles have lit our way for centuries—from guiding travelers in the dark to creating cozy atmospheres and marking special occasions. Think of birthday wishes whispered around flickering flames or a romantic dinner bathed in candlelight.
The word "candle" comes from Old English candel, from Latin candela ("candle"). While we now have electric lights, candles still hold a magical quality. They can be scented with lavender to calm you, shaped like flowers for decoration, or simply provide light when the power goes out. You might light a candle in remembrance of someone, or blow out the candles on a cake.
A candle is a piece of wax (often cylindrical) with a wick inside it, made to be burned in a controlled way. The heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, turning it into fuel for continued burning and producing light. For millennia, before the advent of electricity, candles were the primary source of artificial illumination—essential for daily life, from reading and working after dark to navigating through the night.
But a candle is more than just a practical tool; it's steeped in symbolism. Candles often represent hope, remembrance, or spirituality. They are frequently used in religious ceremonies, memorial services, and moments of quiet reflection. Think of lighting a vigil candle to honor someone lost, or lighting Hanukkah candles during the Festival of Lights.
The word "candle" has roots stretching back to Old English (candel) and further to Latin (candela, "candle"), from candere ("to shine"). Today, candles come in countless forms—from simple tapers to elaborate scented pillars, floating candles for decorative displays, and even beeswax candles prized for their natural aroma.
You might stock up on candles before a storm, decorate with candles for a festive occasion, or simply enjoy the ambiance of candlelight. While modern technology has changed how we light our world, the enduring appeal of the candle lies in its simple beauty and the sense of warmth and tranquility it brings.
Examples
- 1
Home
She lit a candle and set it on the table.
- 2
Fire safety
Please blow out the candles before you go to bed.
- 3
Scented candle
I bought a lavender-scented candle for the bathroom.
- 4
Power outage
We ate by candlelight when the power went out.
- Phraseby candlelight
using light from candles
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public memorial
People gathered in the square for a candlelight vigil.
- Phrasecandlelight vigil
a gathering where people hold candles to remember someone or show support
- 6
Overwork idiom
He's been studying at night and working early mornings, so he's really burning the candle at both ends.
- Phraseburn the candle at both ends
use up your energy by doing too much
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- candlenounverb
Forms
- candlespluralnounverb
- candling-ing formverbnoun
- candledpast tenseverbnoun