Candlemas

noun

Can·​dle·​mas ˈkan-dᵊl-məs 

: February 2 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary

Examples of Candlemas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the National Weather Service website, Groundhog Day has its roots in European weather lore, where a badger or bear is the prognosticator, not a groundhog, and in Candlemas, a day for blessing candles. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026

Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. — Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Feb. 2026

The belief was later adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day and eventually became associated with the Christian observance of Candlemas, according to the National Weather Service. — Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026

That delicious task of fulfilling the tradition on February 2, Candlemas Day. — Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English candelmasse, from Old English candelmæsse, from candel + mæsse mass, feast; from the candles blessed and carried in celebration of the feast

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Candlemas

• byelaws
• chickasaws
• chippewas
• menopause
• repertoires
• tropopause
• ahs
• baas
• cause
• clause
• claws
• coz

Kids Definition

Candlemas

noun

Can·​dle·​mas ˈkan-dᵊl-məs 

: February 2 observed as a Christian festival in honor of the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary