noun
Uncommon
chandler
CHANDL
Chandler (noun) means a person who makes or sells candles. Example: “The chandler's shop smelled of beeswax and tallow.”
noun
1
A person who makes or sells candles.
"The chandler's shop smelled of beeswax and tallow."
"The village chandler dipped wicks into hot wax every morning."
"A local chandler sold her scented candles at the weekend market."
2
A dealer who supplies goods and equipment to ships, known as a ship chandler.
"They stocked up on rope and tinned food at the ship chandler before setting sail."
"The ship chandler supplied the harbour boats with fuel, rope and fresh water."
"Every sailor in the port visited the chandler before a long voyage."
How to use chandler
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally a candle-maker; today most commonly used for a supplier of ship equipment and provisions.
Common pairings
ship chandler
chandler's shop
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Word forms
- Plural
- chandlers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____'s shop smelled of beeswax and tallow.
Etymology
From Old French chandelier ("candle-maker"), from Latin candela ("candle").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for chandler
See all rhymes for chandler →Frequently asked questions
What does “chandler” mean?
The word “chandler” means a person who makes or sells candles. In plain terms, originally a candle-maker; today most commonly used for a supplier of ship equipment and provisions.
How do you pronounce “chandler”?
“Chandler” is pronounced CHANDL (/ˈt͡ʃændlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “chandler” in a sentence?
Here is “chandler” used in a sentence: “The chandler's shop smelled of beeswax and tallow.”
What part of speech is “chandler”?
“Chandler” is a noun.
Where does the word “chandler” come from?
The word “chandler” comes from Latin. From Old French chandelier ("candle-maker"), from Latin candela ("candle").
Is “chandler” a common word?
“Chandler” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chandler” have?
“Chandler” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who makes or sells candles.
What is the difference between a chandler and a ship chandler?
A chandler, on its own, traditionally refers to someone who makes or sells candles. A ship chandler is a more specific dealer who supplies goods and equipment to ships.
Is chandler still used today?
The general sense of candle-maker is largely historical, but ship chandler remains an active term in the maritime trade for suppliers of ship equipment and provisions.
Is a chandler the same as a general shopkeeper?
No. A chandler is a specific type of trader, historically dealing in candles and later in ship supplies, which is narrower than the general term shopkeeper.
