What does snuffer mean?
A snuffer is a tool or cap used to extinguish a burning candle or another small flame. In traditional candle lighting, it often consisted of a cone-shaped metal cover attached to a handle, which was placed over the flame to deprive it of oxygen and prevent smoke or dripping wax. The word is now associated especially with historical household lighting, but it can still be used for contemporary candles and decorative extinguishers. It is also useful in describing older objects, customs, and descriptions of period interiors. Although “extinguisher” can be used as a broader synonym, a snuffer is specifically associated with putting out small flames rather than with the larger apparatus used for fires.
nounA device used to extinguish a burning candle or other small flame, especially by covering it. Historically, it commonly referred to a metal cone-shaped cap fitted to a handle and placed over a candle flame.
- A tool or cap used to extinguish a burning candle or other small flame.
"She used the snuffer to extinguish the candle before leaving the room."
"The steward carried a snuffer on a long handle and quietly put out the hall candles."
"An antique candle snuffer can be made of brass, silver, or another decorative metal."
The plural is used when referring to multiple candle extinguishers or to a collection of such objects.
"The museum displayed a collection of brass snuffers."
Before electric lighting, extinguishing a candle properly required a snuffer: without one, a burning wick could smoke, drip wax, or even start a fire.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snuffer come from?
The word derives from the verb “snuff,” meaning to extinguish a flame by smothering it, combined with the suffix “-er,” denoting an agent or instrument. “Snuff” itself has an older established sense of extinguishing or smothering a candle, and related forms such as “snuffbox” belong to a separate development of the verb meaning to inhale powdered tobacco. The compound meaning of a candle-extinguishing tool arose from the practical need to put out open flames cleanly in an age when candles were common household lighting.
Related word forms
How snuffer is actually used
The word is chiefly associated with candles and earlier forms of indoor lighting. It may sound old-fashioned in modern usage, although purpose-made candle extinguishers remain in use.
Easily confused with snuffer
A snuffer is an implement used to extinguish a flame, whereas snuff is powdered tobacco or the act of taking it into the nose.