girandole

C2+ Topic:House & Home
US /ˈdʒɪrənˌdoʊl/ UK /ˈdʒɪrəndəʊl/
noun Freq #1000047

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    an ornamental branched candlestick or wall light, often mounted against a mirror

    The candles in the gilt girandole cast reflected light across the room.

  2. 2
    noun

    a revolving firework that rises or spins as it burns

    A blazing girandole spun above the garden during the display.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 noun · an ornamental branched... candelabrumbranched candlestickwall light
2 noun · a revolving firework that... wheel fireworkspinner
Word family
Forms girandoles
Related forms girandolagyratecandle

Etymology

Borrowed from French girandole, from Italian girandola, 'a revolving firework,' based on girare, 'to turn.' The name passed from spinning fireworks to branched ornamental lights whose arms radiate from a center.

Topics

markdown

Send feedback

Optional — only if you'd like a reply.