From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcandlecan‧dle /ˈkændl/ ●●○ S3 noun [countable] 1 
Da stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give light2 → can’t hold a candle to somebody/something → burn the candle at both ends at burn1(19)COLLOCATIONSverbslight a candleShe lit a candle in the church.blow out a candleCan you blow out all the candles on your birthday cake?a candle burns (=is giving out light)The house was dark except for one candle burning in a window.a candle flickers (=the flame moves in an unsteady way)As the door opened, the candles flickered unsteadily.a candle goes outA sudden draught made the candles go out.adjectivesa lighted candleA procession moved through the village carrying lighted candles.a flickering candle (=with the flame moving unsteadily)The church was full of flickering white candles.candle + NOUNa candle flameThe candle flame flickered.
Da stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give light2 → can’t hold a candle to somebody/something → burn the candle at both ends at burn1(19)COLLOCATIONSverbslight a candleShe lit a candle in the church.blow out a candleCan you blow out all the candles on your birthday cake?a candle burns (=is giving out light)The house was dark except for one candle burning in a window.a candle flickers (=the flame moves in an unsteady way)As the door opened, the candles flickered unsteadily.a candle goes outA sudden draught made the candles go out.adjectivesa lighted candleA procession moved through the village carrying lighted candles.a flickering candle (=with the flame moving unsteadily)The church was full of flickering white candles.candle + NOUNa candle flameThe candle flame flickered.Examples from the Corpus
candle• There were a new tablecloth and candles on the table.• Citronella candles are a must at an outdoor do.• People drive from all over the region to buy their furniture, candles, quilts, glassware and so on.• Shoes, clothing, leather goods, candles and kitchen utensils are all produced.• We carefully watched the flame of the hour candle eating away the wax from ring to ring.• Ivy, candles and fruit arranged in a wire basket make a sumptuous centrepiece.• The windows had been opened wide and a small breeze fluttered the candles.• Make a wish, take a deep breath, blow out the flames and chow down on the candles.Origin candle (600-700) Latin candela, from candere; → CANDID 