Candle: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for small to medium light needs, often in a home setting or romantic environment.

• She lit a candle to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Candles were placed on the table for the dinner.

Used for powerful, usually handheld lighting, often for outdoor activities or emergency situations.

• She grabbed a torch to explore the cave.
• The power went out, so they used a torch to find their way.

Used for portable lighting, often outdoors or in situations where light needs to be moved around.

• He carried a lantern to light the way through the dark woods.
• They hung lanterns in the garden for the evening party.

Typically used in formal or ceremonial settings, often as a decorative piece holding multiple candles.

• The grand dining hall had an elegant candelabrum as its centerpiece.
• They lit the candelabra during the religious ceremony.

General term for a wax stick with a wick used for light.

• She lit a candle to read her book
• The room was filled with the relaxing scent of lavender candles

Refers to the holder for a candle, often decorative. Used in formal or ritual settings.

• The elegant candlestick sat in the center of the dining table
• They placed the candlesticks on the altar during the ceremony

A large, thick candle that stands on its own without needing a holder. Common for home decoration or making a statement.

• She decorated the fireplace with pillar candles
• The pillar candle burned steadily through the night

Small, usually enclosed in a glass holder, often used in religious or ritual contexts.

• They lit votive candles at the shrine
• The votive candle flickered continuously in the dark

Used when referring to a wax cylinder containing a wick that produces light and often fragrance when lit. Common in settings without electricity or as decorative elements in homes, restaurants, and events.

• She lit a candle to create a cozy atmosphere
• The power went out, so we used candles to get some light

Used when talking about starting a fire or causing something to begin burning. Can be used metaphorically to mean starting an emotion or action.

• The campfire ignited quickly with dry branches
• His speech ignited a passion in the crowd

Used in a general sense to refer to the act of making something illuminate. Also covers scenarios like turning on lamps or lighting up spaces, as well as metaphorically making something clearer or more understandable.

• She lit the room by turning on the lamp
• Understanding this concept lit up my mind

Used to describe a small flash of light caused by electricity or friction. Frequently used metaphorically to describe initiating a new idea, emotion, or action quickly.

• A spark flew from the firework
• Their argument was sparked by a simple misunderstanding