candlewick

[ kan-dl-wik ]

noun

1. the wick of a candle.
2. Also candlewicking. Textiles.
   1. Also called candlewick yarn. loosely twisted yarn, usually of cotton, used for making candlewick fabric.
   2. the process of making candlewick fabric.
   3. the design made by this process.

adjective

1. (of a fabric) having small, short bunches of wicking tufted to form a design:

   a candlewick bedspread of unbleached muslin.

candlewick

/ ˈkændəlˌwɪk /

noun

1. unbleached cotton or muslin into which loops of yarn are hooked and then cut to give a tufted pattern. It is used for bedspreads, dressing gowns, etc
2. the wick of a candle
3. modifier being or made of candlewick fabric

Word History and Origins

Origin of candlewick¹

before 1000; Middle English candelweke, Old English candelwēoc. See candle, wick ¹

Example Sentences

A cat, dozing on a table, spits on a paw and snuffs out a candlewick.

From The New Yorker

Instead, I stare at the candlewick as it flickers against the Virgin’s calm smile.

From Literature

To make that robe, said Powell in a telephone interview, “I bought a couple of bed covers — they’re called candlewick — from eBay.”

From Seattle Times

She lit the candlewick with a match and watched it sputter and light, then she picked up the black key.

From Literature

When they were ready to retire, I would bring sweet wine and clean linens, trim the candlewicks, and withdraw, locking the doors behind me.

From Literature