candle
a long, usually slender piece of tallow or wax with an embedded wick that is burned to give light.
something resembling a candle in appearance or use.
Optics.
(formerly) candela.
Also called in·ter·na·tion·al can·dle [in-ter-nash-uh-nl kan-dl, -nash-nl] /ˈɪn tərˌnæʃ ə nl ˈkæn dl, -ˌnæʃ nl/ . a unit of luminous intensity, defined as a fraction of the luminous intensity of a group of 45 carbon-filament lamps: used from 1909 to 1948 as the international standard.
a unit of luminous intensity, equal to the luminous intensity of a wax candle of standard specifications: used prior to 1909 as the international standard. Abbreviation: c., c
to examine (eggs) for freshness, fertility, etc., by holding them up to a bright light.
to hold (a bottle of wine) in front of a lighted candle while decanting so as to detect sediment and prevent its being poured off with the wine.
Idioms about candle
burn the / one's candle at both ends. burn1 (def. 56).
hold a candle to, to compare favorably with (usually used in the negative): She's smart, but she can't hold a candle to her sister.
worth the candle, worth the trouble or effort involved (usually used in the negative): Trying to win them over to your viewpoint is not worth the candle.
Origin of candle
1Other words from candle
- can·dler, noun
- un·can·dled, adjective
Words Nearby candle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use candle in a sentence
At Celeste, they’ve put out candles and heaters on the outdoor patio, but as it gets colder, it’s likely diners are just going to have to move inside, where the restaurant has expanded into an upstairs space for better distancing.
As Restaurants Prepare for Winter Outdoor Dining, Convincing Customers Remains a Challenge | Jaya Saxena | October 15, 2020 | EaterCustomers started messaging Otherland’s Instagram account, asking the company if it still had any holiday-scented candles left.
In a crowded holiday advertising market, DTC brands are rethinking their digital strategies | Anna Hensel | October 12, 2020 | DigidayWhen someone gives you a scented candle, you will think of that person each time you light it.
Looking for a small gift idea? Try one of these scented candles | PopSci Commerce Team | September 29, 2020 | Popular-ScienceThis is a top-quality variety pack of calming and relaxing scented candles.
Looking for a small gift idea? Try one of these scented candles | PopSci Commerce Team | September 29, 2020 | Popular-ScienceHere are some of our favorite scented candles available today.
Looking for a small gift idea? Try one of these scented candles | PopSci Commerce Team | September 29, 2020 | Popular-Science
Yeah, the “Giant man-puppy” that is Gronkowski won't hold a sexual candle to the blue-eyed dreamboat.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits | Emily Shire | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTUnlike the Soviet Union at a certain period in history, the Russian economy does not hold a candle to that of the United States.
Alastair Sim had jowls like melting candle wax, a snarl like a cornered cat and eyes cold with contempt.
This candle may just be the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for a dear friend.
The Daily Beast’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Taylor Swift in Your Life | Allison McNearney | November 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd she said, “No, you are on fire,” and my arm had caught on fire from a candle on this mantelpiece.
Stephen Merchant Talks ‘Hello Ladies’ movie, the Nicole Kidman Cameo, and Legacy of ‘The Office’ | Marlow Stern | November 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe faint candle-light glimmered on a ponderous gilded cornice, which had also sustained violence.
Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le FanuGroping to the chimney-place with the aid of his matches, Mr. Collingwood found the candle and lit it.
The Boarded-Up House | Augusta Huiell SeamanIn a niche in the mud wall was a cheap print of the Madonna, one candle just smouldering out before it.
Ramona | Helen Hunt Jackson"I am not Lady Macbeth," said Isabel, with a tremor in her own voice, as she entered and blew out the candle.
Ancestors | Gertrude AthertonYou may burn a candle, said the Jew, putting one upon the table; and heres a book for you to read till they come to fetch you.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3) | Charles Dickens
British Dictionary definitions for candle
/ (ˈkændəl) /
a cylindrical piece of wax, tallow, or other fatty substance surrounding a wick, which is burned to produce light
physics
another name for candela
burn the candle at both ends to exhaust oneself, esp by being up late and getting up early to work
not hold a candle to informal to be inferior or contemptible in comparison with: your dog doesn't hold a candle to mine
not worth the candle informal not worth the price or trouble entailed (esp in the phrase the game's not worth the candle)
(tr) to examine (eggs) for freshness or the likelihood of being hatched by viewing them against a bright light
Origin of candle
1Derived forms of candle
- candler, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with candle
see burn the candle at both ends; game is not worth the candle; hold a candle to.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Browse