candle
Candle (noun) means a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light. Example: “She lit a candle to set the mood at dinner.”
How to use candle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wax stick with a wick, burned for light or atmosphere.
Word forms
candled past tense, candles plural, candles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She lit a _____ to set the mood at dinner.
Etymology
From Old English candel, borrowed from Latin candela, from candere, "to shine" — the same root behind "candid" and "candela".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for candle
See all rhymes for candle →Frequently asked questions
What does “candle” mean?
The word “candle” means a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light. In plain terms, a wax stick with a wick, burned for light or atmosphere.
How do you pronounce “candle”?
“Candle” is pronounced KAN-duhl (/ˈkæn.dəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “candle” in a sentence?
Here is “candle” used in a sentence: “She lit a candle to set the mood at dinner.”
What part of speech is “candle”?
Depending on how it is used, “candle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “candle” come from?
The word “candle” comes from Latin. From Old English candel, borrowed from Latin candela, from candere, "to shine" — the same root behind "candid" and "candela".
Is “candle” a common word?
“Candle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “candle” have?
“Candle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light.
What is the difference between a candle and a taper?
A candle is any stick of wax with a wick that burns to give light. A taper is a particular kind of candle that is long and very slender, and the word can also mean a thin wick or spill used to light other candles.
Why do people candle eggs?
To candle an egg is to hold it up to a bright light in order to check the health of a growing embryo inside. Farmers and hatcheries do this to see whether an egg is fertile or developing normally without having to break the shell.
What is the difference between a candle and a votive?
A votive is a small, short candle, usually burned in a holder for religious or decorative purposes. Candle is the general term for any wax stick with a wick, so a votive is one specific type of candle.