Definition

Noun: 1. The wick of a candle: The central cord of fiber in a candle that is lit to provide light as it burns. 2. A type of fabric or embroidery: A soft cotton fabric with a raised, tufted pattern, traditionally used for bedspreads and robes, created by cutting loops of yarn.

Usage

• As the wick of a candle:
  • The candlewick burned steadily, casting a warm glow.
  • Trim the candlewick to about a quarter-inch for a cleaner burn.
• As a type of fabric:
  • She wore a cozy candlewick dressing gown.
  • The vintage bedspread was made of white candlewick.

Advanced Usage

• "Candlewicking": Refers to the specific form of whitework embroidery that produces the characteristic tufted pattern on candlewick fabric.
  • She learned the art of candlewicking to make a traditional quilt.

Variants and Related Words

• Wick (noun): The general term for the cord that draws up fuel in a candle, lamp, or lighter. "Candlewick" is a specific type of wick.
• Candlewicking (noun): The embroidery technique or the resulting work.

Synonyms

• For the wick: taper (archaic in this sense), burning thread.
• For the fabric: tufted cotton, chenille (similar texture, but chenille yarn is typically different).

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings are distinct but historically related. The fabric is named for its resemblance to the fluffy, soft appearance of a cotton candlewick. When using the word, context usually makes the intended meaning clear (e.g., discussing crafts vs. candle maintenance).

Noun

1. loops of soft yarn are cut to give a tufted pattern
2. the wick of a candle