candleholder

candleholder — noun

1. an object designed to hold a candle securely, keeping it upright while it burns

1.nounB1
Definition

an object designed to hold a candle securely, keeping it upright while it burns

Example

Priya placed a tall red candle in the brass candleholder on the dining table.

collocation: brass/ceramic/wooden/glass + candleholder (material describes the object)

The wooden candleholder had been carved by Ravi's grandfather many years ago.

Common collocations
  • brass candleholder
  • ceramic candleholder
  • wooden candleholder
  • glass candleholder
  • ornate candleholder
  • simple candleholder
  • tall candleholder
  • scented candle in a candleholder
Synonyms
  • candlestick

    the traditional term for a candleholder with a base and stem; often decorative

  • candelabra

    a large candleholder with several branches or sockets for multiple candles; typically ornate

  • sconce

    a candleholder that attaches to a wall rather than sitting on a surface

Usage Note

Candleholder is a broader term than candlestick, which usually refers to a traditional holder with a base, stem, and socket. Any object that supports a candle can be called a candleholder.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Candleholder is the most general term for any object that supports a candle. A candlestick is a specific type of candleholder with a recognizable shape — a flat base, a narrow stem, and a cup or spike at the top to hold the candle. Candelabra are larger, often branching candleholders designed for multiple candles, commonly used in formal dining or ceremonies. A sconce differs from all of these because it is fixed to a wall rather than placed on a table or floor. For everyday use, candleholder is the safest choice; candlestick implies a more traditional look; candelabra suits formal settings; and sconce is only correct when the holder is wall-mounted.

candlestick ↗candelabrasconce

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • set of candleholders
  • pair of candleholders
  • candleholder on the table
  • candleholder for a tea light

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

Candleholder is a compound word formed from candle and holder. Candle comes from Old English candel, itself borrowed from Latin candela meaning 'a light, a torch' (from candere 'to shine, to glow'). Holder comes from Old English holdere, meaning 'one who holds', from the verb holdan 'to hold'. The compound has been in use since the 14th century to describe any object that supports a candle in an upright position.