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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. the light from a candle or candles

      they ate by candlelight

    2. ( as modifier )

      a candlelight dinner

  2. dusk; evening

"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

Etymology

Origin of candlelight

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

Vocabulary lists containing candlelight

Spelling Practice 3, Unit 4

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Candlelight, wood, hot oil, coats hanging heavy near the door.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

The well-funded series Candlelight Concerts, which throws dimly lighted classical shows in intimate spaces, has spread nationwide.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025

He left the Candlelight Party to help form the Nation Power Party in October last year.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Candlelight illuminated rows of backgammon boards atop long tables; Kylie Minogue and Destiny’s Child played in the background.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Candlelight flickered against the hard flat planes of his cheeks as he spoke.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.