verb

gutter

to burn unsteadily with a weak, flickering flame

The candle gutters in the draft.

Etymology

Gutter names a channel for running liquid. A candle gutters when melting wax runs in channels, and the verb extended to the associated uneven, failing flame.

More examples

The lamp guttered as its fuel ran low.
A guttering flame barely lit the room.
The candle began to gutter near the open window.

Forms

gutter · gutters · guttered · guttering

Similar words

flicker: Burn or shine unsteadily.
sputter: Burn irregularly with small bursts or noises.