Definition

1. Noun:
   • A maker or seller of candles and related goods: A "chandler" is a person who makes or sells candles, and historically also sold other household items like soap, oils, and paints.
   • A retail dealer in provisions and supplies: In a broader, often nautical context, a "chandler" is a merchant who sells supplies and provisions, especially for ships.
   • A proper name (Raymond Chandler): "Chandler" is the surname of Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), a famous American author known for his hard-boiled detective novels featuring the character Philip Marlowe.

Examples of Usage

• As a maker/seller of candles:
  • In the 18th century, the town chandler supplied candles to every household.
  • She visited the chandler to buy beeswax candles for the evening.
• As a dealer in provisions:
  • The ship's captain ordered new ropes and tar from the chandler.
  • The marine chandler's shop was stocked with everything a sailor might need.
• As a proper name:
  • Raymond Chandler is considered a master of the detective fiction genre.
  • Have you read any novels by Chandler?

Advanced Usage

• "Ship's chandler" or "marine chandler": A specialized dealer in supplies and equipment for ships and boats.
  • Before the long voyage, they restocked at the ship's chandler in the port.
• "Chandler's shop": The establishment where a chandler conducts business.
  • The old chandler's shop on the wharf smelled of hemp, tar, and spices.

Variants and Related Words

• Chandlery (noun): The trade, goods, or shop of a chandler.
  • He worked in the chandlery, managing the inventory of sails and ropes.

Synonyms

• Candlemaker: A person who makes candles.
• Chandlery: A shop selling supplies for ships.
• Provisioner or Victualler: A supplier of food and provisions.

Related Phrases

• To chandler: (Archaic/rare verb) To trade as a chandler.
  • His family had chandlered in the city for generations. (This usage is very rare and historical.)

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "chandler" is tied to trade and retail. The first definition (candle maker/seller) is the original and most specific. The second definition (dealer in provisions) is an extension, particularly associated with supplying ships. The third definition refers specifically to the author Raymond Chandler and is always capitalized. In modern usage, outside of historical contexts or the marine industry, the word is most commonly recognized as the author's name.

Noun

1. a maker (and seller) of candles and soap and oils and paints
2. a retail dealer in provisions and supplies
3. United States writer of detective thrillers featuring the character of Philip Marlowe (1888-1959)