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plural candles
1
: a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned (as to give light, heat, or scent or for celebration or votive purposes)
2
: something resembling a candle in shape or use
a sulfur candle for fumigating
3
: required effort, expense, or trouble
—usually used in the phrase not worth the candle
4
: candela
5
: a thin, upright new shoot forming from a terminal bud on a pine tree in the spring
Pines grow from the branch tips, which elongate into "candles" in spring, then fatten into mature, needle-covered branches. To minimize pine growth, just pinch off the ends of the candles.—
Jim McCausland et al.
Jim McCausland et al.
candled; candling
ˈkan(d)-liŋ 
ˈkan-dᵊl-iŋ
: to examine by holding between the eye and a light
especially
: to test (eggs) in this way for staleness, blood clots, fertility, and growth
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebJaina Grey, WIRED, 2 Dec. 2022
Yes, a candle or some bubble bath is always appreciated, but the best beauty gifts are truly personal.
—Talia Abbas, Glamour, 29 Nov. 2022
Otherwise, Lake & Skye’s candle and Vitruvi’s diffuser can zhuzh up any space, while Ghd’s curling iron or BeautyBio’s face roller can supplement any beauty regimen.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2022
People who can’t afford a $5,000 suit may still be able to afford a $200 candle or a $60 lipstick.
—Quartz, 22 Nov. 2022
The southern theme continued with gift bags monogrammed with their initials that had treats like chocolates and a candle.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2022
All guests who purchase a meal get a free pizookie (pan-baked cookie) with a candle and a special off-menu Birthday Suit tequila cocktail will be available.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2022
Winemiller suggested Taylor could have grabbed a bottle of wine and a candle from the restaurant inside the culinary institute and then shot Brophy after being discovered.
—oregonlive, 23 May 2022
The Little Market Spa Gift Basket Encourage her to make time for self-care with The Little Market’s spa gift basket, which includes your choice of sugar scrub, bar soap and candle in a farmers market-ready woven bag.
—Celia Shatzman, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2022
Caroline Picard, House Beautiful, 9 Feb. 2023
Anderson workouts and rosewater facial spray, to candle making and well-deserved alone time.
—Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 Sep. 2022
Three flickering faux flames give this oversized wax candle a realistic look.
—Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2022
Nine people died who were working at the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory the night of the storm.
—Ben Tobin, The Courier-Journal, 27 Dec. 2021
Used to check on the general overall health of the egg, candling shines a bright light (not a candle) through the bottom of the egg.
—Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2019
All of your prayers and well wishes and candles got me through today.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2018
Going through thousands of profiles is like candling eggs — so many inspections to make: Age, race, religion, height and weight appropriate?
—Stu Bykofsky, Philly.com, 10 Aug. 2017
Her father hired me during the Easter rush to work with Sharlene gathering, cleaning and candling eggs.
—Janet Sheridan, The Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2017
See More
Noun
Masturbation is potent self-care, so gifting a sensual toy or two is just like giving someone a scented candle or some luxury bath salts.
—Jaina Grey, WIRED, 2 Dec. 2022
Yes, a candle or some bubble bath is always appreciated, but the best beauty gifts are truly personal.
—Talia Abbas, Glamour, 29 Nov. 2022
Otherwise, Lake & Skye’s candle and Vitruvi’s diffuser can zhuzh up any space, while Ghd’s curling iron or BeautyBio’s face roller can supplement any beauty regimen.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2022
People who can’t afford a $5,000 suit may still be able to afford a $200 candle or a $60 lipstick.
—Quartz, 22 Nov. 2022
The southern theme continued with gift bags monogrammed with their initials that had treats like chocolates and a candle.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 22 Aug. 2022
All guests who purchase a meal get a free pizookie (pan-baked cookie) with a candle and a special off-menu Birthday Suit tequila cocktail will be available.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2022
Winemiller suggested Taylor could have grabbed a bottle of wine and a candle from the restaurant inside the culinary institute and then shot Brophy after being discovered.
—oregonlive, 23 May 2022
The Little Market Spa Gift Basket Encourage her to make time for self-care with The Little Market’s spa gift basket, which includes your choice of sugar scrub, bar soap and candle in a farmers market-ready woven bag.
—Celia Shatzman, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2022
Verb
Otherwise, pop the light bulb or candle out of a ground-level lantern, fill it with a be of grass, and place your new bunny inside.
—Caroline Picard, House Beautiful, 9 Feb. 2023
Anderson workouts and rosewater facial spray, to candle making and well-deserved alone time.
—Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 Sep. 2022
Three flickering faux flames give this oversized wax candle a realistic look.
—Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2022
Nine people died who were working at the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory the night of the storm.
—Ben Tobin, The Courier-Journal, 27 Dec. 2021
Used to check on the general overall health of the egg, candling shines a bright light (not a candle) through the bottom of the egg.
—Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2019
All of your prayers and well wishes and candles got me through today.
—Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 4 Feb. 2018
Going through thousands of profiles is like candling eggs — so many inspections to make: Age, race, religion, height and weight appropriate?
—Stu Bykofsky, Philly.com, 10 Aug. 2017
Her father hired me during the Easter rush to work with Sharlene gathering, cleaning and candling eggs.
—Janet Sheridan, The Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2017
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'candle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Phrases Containing candle
Dictionary Entries Near candle
Cite this Entry
“Candle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candle. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on candle
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for candle
Nglish: Translation of candle for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of candle for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about candle
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