Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

flambeau

American  
[flam-boh] / ˈflæm boʊ /

noun

plural

flambeaux, flambeaus

  1. a flaming torch.

  2. a torch for use at night in illuminations, processions, etc.

  3. a large, decorated candlestick.

  4. an ornament having the form of a flaming torch.

flambeau British  
/ ˈflæmbəʊ /

noun

  1. a burning torch, as used in night processions

  2. a large ornamental candlestick

"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 flambeau

1625–35; < French: torch, derivative of Old French flambe flame

Vocabulary lists containing flambeau

Vocabulary from the Wisdom and Work of Nadine Gordimer (1923-2014)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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.

He and friends played hide-and-seek in nearby brush but never saw the flambeau lit.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2021

"Old age having laid his hand upon this truly great man, this truly philosophical politician, at his expiring flambeau I lighted my taper."

From The Life Of Thomas Paine, Vol. II. (of II) With A History of His Literary, Political and Religious Career in America France, and England by Conway, Moncure Daniel

It sometimes appears as a stately flambeau, stalking along unsupported, burning with a ghastly blue flame.

From British Goblins Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Sikes, Wirt

He then spoke to the youngest, who immediately got a flambeau, and prepared to go, having first asked the elder wife to accompany her.

From Algic Researches, Comprising Inquiries Respecting the Mental Characteristics of the North American Indians, Vol. 2 of 2 Indian Tales and Legends by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe

The page took up a little taper that lay near the flambeau, and, shuddering as he passed by the body, instantly departed on his errand.

From Calavar or The Knight of The Conquest, A Romance of Mexico by Bird, Robert Montgomery

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.