A tealight (also tea-light, tea light, tea candle, or informally tea lite, t-lite or t-candle) is a candle contained in a thin metal or plastic cup so that its wax can melt completely while lit. They are typically small, circular, usually wider than their height, and inexpensive. Tealights derive their name from their use in teapot warmers, but are also used as food warmers in general, e.g. fondue.
Tealights are a popular choice for accent lighting and for heating scented oil. A benefit that they have over taper candles is that they do not drip. Tealights may be set afloat on water for decorative effect. Because of their small size and low level of light, multiple tealights are often burned simultaneously. Longer-burning tealights may be called nightlights. They are also lit for religious purposes.
