chandelle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Specialized / Technical
Quick answer
What does “chandelle” mean?
An abrupt, climbing turn performed by an aircraft in which the plane gains altitude while changing direction 180°.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An abrupt, climbing turn performed by an aircraft in which the plane gains altitude while changing direction 180°.
In climbing, a steep, ascending move or route on rock or ice. By extension, any sudden, sharp upward movement or maneuver.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical meaning. It is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
A technical, precise term with professional connotations in both contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low in general use. Almost exclusively found in aviation or climbing contexts; slightly more likely to be used metaphorically in AmE literary or journalistic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “chandelle” in a Sentence
The pilot [verb] a chandelle.The aircraft [verb] into a chandelle.To chandelle (verb).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chandelle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pilot chandelled expertly to avoid the flock of birds.
- We were taught to chandelle to regain lost altitude.
American English
- The fighter jet chandelled sharply over the ridge.
- He chandelled the plane to show off its performance.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The chandelle manoeuvre was performed flawlessly.
- They practiced chandelle turns for hours.
American English
- The chandelle maneuver is a key flight test exercise.
- He demonstrated perfect chandelle technique.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in specific aviation or sports science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in aviation training manuals, aerobatics, and climbing guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chandelle”
- Spelling: 'chandele', 'chandell'.
- Pronunciation: /tʃænˈdɛl/ (hard 'ch').
- Using as a general synonym for any turn.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term from aviation and climbing, rarely encountered in general English.
Yes, in aviation contexts, e.g., 'The aircraft chandelled to the left.'
It is borrowed from French, where 'chandelle' means 'candle', likely referring to the candle-like shape of the maneuver's vertical path.
A chandelle combines a climb with a 180-degree turn, resulting in a change of direction while gaining altitude, unlike a straight climb.
Chandelle is usually specialized / technical in register.
Chandelle: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɒnˈdɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃænˈdɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pull a chandelle (colloquial, aviation)”
- “go into a chandelle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CANDLE (sounds like 'chandelle') flame leaping UPWARD and TWISTING in the air, just like an aircraft's climbing, turning maneuver.
Conceptual Metaphor
UPWARD MOVEMENT IS SUCCESS / AGGRESSION (e.g., 'The stock market chandelled after the announcement').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'chandelle' most likely to be used correctly?