English Reference
noun · verb

candlestick

n. · v.
US /ˈkændəɫˌstɪk/ UK /kˈændəlstˌɪk/ can·dle·stick UK spelling candlestick's, candlestick's, candlesticked

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a decorative object used to hold a candle in place.

    n.a device with a socket or spike designed to hold a candle upright.

    Simple

    She placed a silver candlestick in the center of the dining table.

    In context

    The antique brass candlestick was heavy and ornate, showing signs of centuries of wax buildup around its base.

    sconcecandelabra
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.a type of graph that shows if a stock price went up or down during a day.

    n.a price chart used in technical analysis that displays the high, low, open, and closing prices of a security for a specific period.

    Simple

    The trader looked at the green candlestick to see how much the price rose.

    In context

    A long red candlestick on the daily chart indicated a significant sell-off, suggesting that bearish sentiment was dominating the market.

    Usage

    Often used as a compound noun in 'candlestick chart'.

    Teacher's tip

    While the object is A2/B1 level, the financial sense is C1 technical jargon used by investors.

    price barOHLC chart
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    n.a position where you lie on your shoulders and point your legs straight up.

    n.a body position in gymnastics where the performer balances on their upper back and shoulders with legs extended vertically.

    Simple

    The coach told the children to hold the candlestick position for ten seconds.

    In context

    The gymnast transitioned smoothly from a roll into a perfect candlestick, maintaining a straight line from her hips to her toes.

    shoulder stand
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalInformal

    v.when a parachute fails to open and looks like a long, thin candle.

    v.to fail to deploy properly, resulting in the canopy remaining thin and tapered like a candle flame.

    Simple

    The skydiver had to use his backup chute after the main one started to candlestick.

    In context

    Witnesses reported seeing the primary canopy candlestick during the descent, forcing the jumper to cut away and deploy the reserve.

    Usage

    Intransitive verb.

    Teacher's tip

    This is highly specialized jargon used almost exclusively in the skydiving and BASE jumping communities.


From Middle English candelstik, candelstikke, from Old English candelsticca (“candlestick”), equivalent to candle + stick. Cognate with Scots candilsteke, candilstik (“candlestick”). Compare Old Norse kertastika, kertistika (“candlestick”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English candelsticca
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated