chandelier

American  

[shan-dl-eer] / ˌʃæn dlˈɪər /

noun

1. a decorative, sometimes ornate, light fixture suspended from a ceiling, usually having branched supports for a number of lights.

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chandelier British  

/ ˌʃændɪˈlɪə /

noun

1. an ornamental hanging light with branches and holders for several candles or bulbs

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Other Word Forms

• chandeliered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chandelier

1655–65; < French: literally, something that holds candles; see chandler

Explanation

A chandelier is a fancy light fixture that is often ornate and hanging suspended in the middle of a formal space. Walk into a grand ballroom and see a light fixture adorned with sparkling crystals? That's a chandelier. The word chandelier comes from the French candere meaning "be white, glisten." Look up at a chandelier and you'll see it glistening and casting white reflections on the walls. The French origin of the word might call up images of palaces like Versailles in France, where chandeliers hang in nearly every room.

Example Sentences

Also on Saturday’s card will be the Grade 2 $200,000 Chandelier Stakes for 2-year-old fillies who are on the trail to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2023

Sia, whose full name is Sia Furler, is best known as a singer-songwriter, with hits including Chandelier, Titanium and Cheap Thrills.

From BBC • May 31, 2023

Their Jan. 1 wedding was held at the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. The celebration actually started on Dec. 31, 2021, to mirror their engagement.

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2022

The dancer, who appeared in Lifetime's reality show "Dance Moms," was also featured in Sia's 2014 and 2015 music videos for "Chandelier," "Elastic Heart" and "Big Girls Cry."

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2022

Pendent from it is the fine Chandelier of wrought iron and brass, presented to the church in 1680 by Dorothy Applebee, who was buried within the sanctuary two years later.

From Bell's Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral Formerly the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Otherwise St. Mary Overie. A Short History and Description of the Fabric, with Some Account of the College and the See by Worley, George