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Definition of candle

candle

/ˈkæn.dəl/
can · dle
Plural:candles
•
Past Simple:candled
•
Past Participle:candled
•
Present Participle:candling
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candle Lexical Profile

candle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick that is lit to produce light as it burns.

Example

"She lit a scented candle to create a relaxing atmosphere in the living room."

2

A historically used unit of luminous intensity, now largely replaced by the candela.

Example

"The antique projector's beam was rated at several thousand candles."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for candle

• verb

1

To examine (an egg) for freshness or embryonic development by holding it before a bright light.

Example

"The farmer carefully candled the incubated eggs to check for developing chicks."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for candle

• Rhymes for candle

• Nearby Words

candidness
candied
candiru
candle
candleholder
candlelight
candlelighted

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'candel', an early Germanic borrowing from Latin 'candela' (a light, torch), derived from 'candere' (to shine).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Candle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/candle
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