A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax or other combustible solids (such as butter), which provides light and, in some cases, aroma. It can also be used to provide heat, or as a method of holding time.

The candle maker is traditionally known as Chandler. From simple tabletop candlesticks to exquisite chandeliers, various devices have been invented to hold candles.

To make a candle burn, a heat source (usually an open flame) can be used to light the wick of the candle, which will melt and evaporate a small amount of fuel (wax). Once evaporated, the fuel combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to ignite and form a constant flame. The flame provides enough heat to burn the candle through a series of self-sustaining events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the solid fuel; the liquefied fuel then moves up through the oil core through capillary action. The liquefied fuel eventually evaporates and burns in the flame of the candle.