lamp

noun

ˈlamp 

1

a

: any of various devices for producing light or sometimes heat: such as

(1)

: a vessel with a wick for burning an inflammable liquid (such as oil) to produce light

(2)

: a glass bulb or tube that emits light produced by electricity (such as an incandescent light bulb or fluorescent lamp)

b

: a decorative appliance housing a lamp that is usually covered by a shade

2

: a celestial body

3

: a source of intellectual or spiritual illumination

4

: eye sense 1a

—usually used in plural

Synonyms

• beacon
• illuminant
• light

Examples of lamp in a Sentence

I didn't realize it had gotten so dark in the room until my wife came in and turned on the lamp, momentarily blinding me.

Recent Examples on the Web

This lamp from my collection is perfect for al fresco gatherings, chic home offices, bedside tables or just on the go. —Kelly Wearstler, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

The Tiffany-style lamp was a gift from a former neighbor and friend. —Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024

The lamp comes with a carrying case, can be dimmed, and offers warm or cool color temperatures. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 8 Dec. 2024

Bathrooms are covered in Austrian white marble with gold accents, and the rest have gold handles, sconces, lamps, and doors for a luxe, but not over-the-top, poshness. —Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French lampe, from Latin lampas, from Greek, from lampein to shine; akin to Hittite lap- to burn

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing lamp

• arc lamp
• compact fluorescent lamp
• discharge lamp
• floor lamp
• fluorescent lamp
• fog lamp
• glow lamp
• incandescent lamp
• lava lamp
• mercury-vapor lamp
• oil lamp
• quartz-iodine lamp
• safety lamp
• smoking lamp
• sodium-vapor lamp
• standard lamp
• student lamp

Kids Definition

lamp

noun

ˈlamp 

: a device for producing light or heat

Medical Definition

lamp

noun

ˈlamp 

: any of various devices for producing light or heat see kromayer lamp, slit lamp