chandelabra

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   A plural form of chandelier, used especially for large hanging light fittings with several branches for candles or bulbs.

   Grammar: Treated as a plural; the singular is chandelier, so say 'a chandelier' but 'two chandelabra'.

   Patterns

   • a pair of chandelabra
   • the chandelabra hung from the ceiling

   The hotel lobby was lit by three enormous chandelabra.

   Restorers spent months cleaning the silver chandelabra before the ball.

   She photographed the chandelabra hanging above the dining table.

2. 2nouncountablerare

   A decorative holder with branches that each carry a candle or lamp, especially one meant for a table or altar.

   Grammar: Used as a singular countable noun in this sense: one chandelabra, several chandelabras.

   Patterns

   • a silver chandelabra
   • place a chandelabra on the table

   A small brass chandelabra stood at each end of the altar.

   He bought an antique chandelabra for the dining room.

Common combinations

an ornate chandelabra

An ornate chandelabra dominated the entrance hall.

a crystal chandelabra

A crystal chandelabra sparkled above the staircase.

hang a chandelabra

They hung a chandelabra from the highest beam.

a pair of chandelabra

A pair of chandelabra flanked the fireplace.

polish the chandelabra

Staff polish the chandelabra before every banquet.

Synonyms and how they differ

chandelier

This is the usual singular form and is the word to use when you mean one light fitting.

candelabrum

This means a branched holder for candles and is often used for table or altar pieces rather than ceiling lights.

Word family

chandelier noun

A large hanging light fitting with several branches.

candelabrum noun

A branched candle holder, often for a table or altar.

Commonly confused: chandelabra or chandelier? chandelabra or candelabra?

Practice

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