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 plural

Synonyms of lamp

• light
• lighting
• candle
• headlight
• flashlight

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

His paintings sell for millions at auction but Nara's most important fans might be the ones displaying his ashtrays, lamps, and snowglobes. — Julie Brener Davich, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2026

Each guest room has its own personality, outfitted with original artwork and vintage furniture (made modern with touches like Bellino Italian bedding and chrome desk lamps). — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

The product’s hardware has been ready for two years and resembles an articulated desk lamp, like the one in Pixar's logo, The Information reports. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026

Kids will be able to participate in rangoli (chalk art), make clay lamps and decorate masks to be a part of the play. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026

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 lamp
• sodium-vapor lamp
• standard lamp
• student lamp

Rhymes for lamp

• amp
• champ
• clamp
• cramp
• damp
• gamp
• ramp
• samp
• scamp
• stamp
• tamp
• tramp

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