candlelight

American  

[kan-dl-lahyt] / ˈkæn dlˌlaɪt /

noun

1. the light of a candle.

2. a dim artificial light.

3. twilight; dusk.

---

candlelight British  

/ ˈkændəlˌlaɪt /

noun

1. 1. the light from a candle or candles

      they ate by candlelight

   2. ( as modifier )

      a candlelight dinner

2. dusk; evening

---

Etymology

Origin of candlelight

before 1000; Middle English candel-liht, Old English candel-lēoht. See candle, light ¹

Example Sentences

Otherwise, Veloso relied on the sun, candlelight and fire to illuminate his shots.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

Alia's desire to experience and embody the show has been shared by other Bridgerton fans, leading to a boom in Bridgerton-themed experiences and events, including candlelight concerts and balls.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Where her vision clears, she’s in a hall lit by candlelight and crystal chandeliers draped in pearls, dressed in an iridescent gown and jewels evocative of the decade’s New Romantic style.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

Pensioner Neonila said Ukrainians had "adapted" to the power outages, living by candlelight and with flashlights on their phones.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Each one cups a glass lotus-shaped votive—their faces radiant above the candlelight.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed