Taper

/ˈteɪpə/ · noun

Meaning

A slender wax candle..

Definitions by Sense

1. A slender wax candle.
2. (by extension) A small light.
3. A tapering form; gradual diminution of thickness and/or cross section in an elongated object.
4. The portion of an object with such a form.
5. (machining) Ellipsis of machine taper.
6. (chiefly historical) A long wick or thin stick used for transferring flames to candles, now usually chemically-treated to burn particularly slowly.
7. A cone-shaped item for stretching the hole for an ear gauge (piercing).
8. (figurative) Gradual reduction over time.

Example Sentences

Strike on the Tinder, hoa: Giue me a Taper […]

Take not away the Taper, leaue it burning […]

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.

The red glare of the tapers flung a strange unnatural hue on the painted windows of the little Gothic chapel, where none slept save the noble of name, and the high of blood—purple and crimson, the colours mingled together in fantastic combinations, till the rainbow-hued figures seemed to move with supernatural life.

Love used to carry a bow, you know, But now he carries a taper; It is either a length of wax aglow, Or a twist of lighted paper.

the taper of a spire

The legs of the table had a slight taper to them.

Her hair hangs over her ears and flows to a taper at the back of her neck where it is held in place with a wide and circular black clasp.

Synonyms for taper

Antonyms for taper

Related Words

Word Forms

• tapers
• tapering
• tapered

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions