chandelier

noun

chan·​de·​lier ˌshan-də-ˈlir How to pronounce chandelier (audio)
: a branched often ornate lighting fixture suspended from a ceiling
chandeliered adjective

Illustration of chandelier

Illustration of chandelier

Examples of chandelier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Details like dramatic archways, intricate railings, and dazzling chandeliers make each space even more reminiscent of the period in which it was built. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 15 Nov. 2023 Oliver Pilcher Oliver Pilcher Some of Pilcher’s photos resemble bonbons wrapped in golden cellophane, enveloped in either warm sunlight or the glow of the Plaza’s chandeliers. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2023 Instead of a traditional chandelier, place a modern emphasis on a dining table with a concentrated pool of light. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2023 Then again, billions of dollars—a nearly unimaginable sum—can buy more caviar and chandeliers than one person could possibly enjoy: why not build a fleet of satellites instead? Françoise Mouly, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2023 At an event celebrating her Skims collaboration with Swarovski on November 7, the reality star wore more Swarovski crystals than a Rockefeller’s chandelier and not much else. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2023 Cornelius Vanderbilt’s The Breakers, for example, had 48 bedrooms, 50-foot high ceilings adorned with Baccarat chandeliers, and an Italian Renaissance-style exterior. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2023 These were the last of the White House sales, but out went a Tiffany glass screen, gilded mirrors from the East Room and the chandeliers from the Blue and Green rooms. Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023 Attach ribbons to papier-mache gourds with hot-glue and suspend from a chandelier. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chandelier.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, candle holder, modification of Latin candelabrum

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chandelier was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near chandelier

Cite this Entry

“Chandelier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chandelier. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

chandelier

noun
chan·​de·​lier ˌshan-də-ˈli(ə)r How to pronounce chandelier (audio)
: a branched lighting fixture usually hanging from a ceiling
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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