chandelier

American  

[shan-dl-eer] / ˌʃæn dlˈɪər /

noun

• chandeliers
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• chandeliered
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• chandeliers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of chandelier

1655–65; < French: literally, something that holds candles; see chandler

Explanation

A chandelier is a fancy light fixture that is often ornate and hanging suspended in the middle of a formal space. Walk into a grand ballroom and see a light fixture adorned with sparkling crystals? That's a chandelier. The word chandelier comes from the French candere meaning "be white, glisten." Look up at a chandelier and you'll see it glistening and casting white reflections on the walls. The French origin of the word might call up images of palaces like Versailles in France, where chandeliers hang in nearly every room.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chandelier chandeliers

When they handed the property over, it boasted emerald green walls, a rattan monkey chandelier, and banana-leaf wallpaper.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

A group of people were gathered around a large dining table beneath a massive chandelier of antler, a tableau that evoked some kind of Viking summit.

From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2026

A "nearly forgotten" historic streetlamp that once stood outside on 23rd Street has been reimagined as a chandelier in the lobby, Sofield said.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

When the chandelier falls, Production Stage Manager Jovon E. Shuck wants audiences to feel a fresh thrill of terror.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

I glance around to see what’s buzzing, first at the ancient yellow chandelier above my head, then at the shiny silver intercom on the wall.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead

Uniformed doormen greet guests at the entrance, while chandeliers, fireplaces and classic architectural details reinforce the hotel’s historic character.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026

However, Lopez’s newly renovated space has a much brighter color palette, with a marble fireplace, pale green walls, gold chandeliers, and painted beams.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 2, 2026

“The sterile white ballroom, with its 40-foot ceilings, gilded chandeliers, and sky-high windows, conveys none of that.”

From Slate ● May 18, 2026

The space, called Fallen Empire, features red mohair booths, built-in Champagne buckets, mirrored walls and chandeliers, sconces and lamps from the Italian glass-blowing island of Murano.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026

The light dances around the room with the motion of the train, bouncing off the crystal chandeliers.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern