Roman candle

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noun

a firework consisting of a tube that sends out a shower of sparks and a succession of balls of fire.

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Origin of Roman candle

First recorded in 1825–35

Words nearby Roman candle

Roman alphabet, Roman arch, Roman blind, Roman brick, Roman calendar, Roman candle, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Church, Roman Catholicism, romance, Romance languages

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Roman candle in a sentence

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|DAILY BEAST
Unlike the Soviet Union at a certain period in history, the Russian economy does not hold a candle to that of the United States.
Oliver Stone’s Latest Dictator Suckup|James Kirchick|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
His words apply not only to the Roman Curia at the Vatican but to the entire Church throughout the world.
Pope Francis Denounces the Vatican Elite’s 'Spiritual Alzheimer’s'|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Alastair Sim had jowls like melting candle wax, a snarl like a cornered cat and eyes cold with contempt.
How Dickens and Scrooge Saved Christmas|Clive Irving|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In a tiny, remote Chinese village, an ancient Roman bloodline may live on.
The Chinese Town Descended From Romans?|Nina Strochlic|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The faint candle-light glimmered on a ponderous gilded cornice, which had also sustained violence.
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Roman Pane who accompanied Columbus on his second voyage alludes to another method of using the herb.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
The last-named building remained in the possession of the Unitarians until 1861, when it was sold to the Roman Catholics.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
Groping to the chimney-place with the aid of his matches, Mr. Collingwood found the candle and lit it.
The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman
You will not soon be called upon to act a Roman part between your father and your friend!
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter

British Dictionary definitions for Roman candle

Roman candle

noun

a firework that produces a continuous shower of sparks punctuated by coloured balls of fire

Word Origin for Roman candle

C19: so called from its having been originated in Italy

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