What does girandole mean?
A girandole is a decorative revolving ornament, commonly made of glass and fitted with radiating vanes. Mounted on a pole, roof, or other support, it turns in the wind, combining the movement of a weather vane with the visual effect of colored glass catching the light. The word can also denote a revolving chandelier or candleholder with branches designed to hold candles. Historically associated with European decorative arts, girandoles are particularly associated with ornate metalwork and glass ornamentation. Although the alternative spelling “girandola” is sometimes encountered, “girandole” is firmly established in English. In modern writing, the term is most likely to appear in descriptions of architecture, antiques, decorative objects, or jewelry inspired by historic ornamental forms. Its specialized vocabulary and associations with elegance and elaborate craftsmanship make it more evocative than the general term “wind spinner.”
nounA decorative revolving ornament, often made of glass, with radiating vanes that turn in the wind. The term can also refer to a revolving candleholder or chandelier with projecting branches.
- A decorative rotating ornament, especially one mounted on a pole or roof and turned by the wind.
- A revolving candleholder or chandelier branch with projecting arms for candles.
"A glass girandole turned above the garden wall, its colored vanes flashing in the sunlight."
"A glass girandole turned above the garden wall, its colored vanes flashing in the sunlight."
"The auction catalogue described the eighteenth-century girandole as gilt-bronze and fitted for candles."
The standard plural takes the ending -s.
"Two ornate girandoles stood on either side of the entrance."
A girandole turns with the wind while its glass ornaments catch the light, making movement and sparkle part of the same design.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of girandole
English borrowed the word from French girandole in the 17th century. French, in turn, used the Italian girandola, a diminutive related to girare, “to turn,” and ultimately to Latin gyrare, meaning “to turn or revolve.” The same Latin root underlies English words such as gyrate, gyration, and gyroscope.
How girandole is actually used
This is a specialized word found especially in architectural, decorative-art, and antiques descriptions rather than in everyday speech.
Easily confused with girandole
Girandola is an alternative spelling of the same word for a revolving decorative ornament.