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; chandler

Example Sentences

This is a “superconducting” computer, a common type of quantum computer resembling a golden chandelier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The spacious dining area is surrounded by all-white walls and topped by an elegant chandelier.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 30, 2025

“So we built this house, and it was all designed around this chandelier that we found so obnoxious, that we had in a previous house.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 17, 2025

A ship’s wheel serves as the chandelier, hanging above vertical-grain boat-plank floors that lead to a galley-style kitchen with a curvy bar.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Everyone was too surprised to speak except Lady Constance, who was adamant about performing her duties as a hostess, despite the fact that she was swinging from a chandelier and had only recently stopped screaming.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood