English Reference

Word

chandler

Phoneticschan·dler

US/ˈtʃændɫɝ/

UK/tʃˈændlɐ/

Definition

n. a person or shop that sells equipment and supplies for ships.

n. a dealer in specific provisions or equipment, most frequently used in the compound 'ship chandler' to describe a maritime supplier.

Examples

“The local chandler sells handmade beeswax candles.”

“Before electricity became common, every town had a chandler to supply the community with light.”

“The historical museum features a reconstructed workshop where a master chandler demonstrates the traditional method of dipping wicks into hot tallow.”

Examples

simple

“The local chandler sells handmade beeswax candles.”

contextual

“Before electricity became common, every town had a chandler to supply the community with light.”

complex

“The historical museum features a reconstructed workshop where a master chandler demonstrates the traditional method of dipping wicks into hot tallow.”

Usage

Often appears as part of the compound 'ship chandler'.

Teaching tip

This is the most likely sense a learner will encounter in modern coastal or port cities.

Real-World Examples

“In my youth there were so many nearby shops – chandlers, greengrocers, delicatessens – and each was busy, but now 95% of shopfronts are shuttered.”
The Guardian · 13 Sept 2026

Synonyms

supplieroutfitterdealer

Related words

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated
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Technical

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/chandler

English Reference