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 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

The lamp next to the sofa comes from Richard’s father’s office, the tapestry in the dining room is a mid-20th-century piece, while the painting above the sofa, depicting a horse and its rider, was a wedding gift. — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026

The flourishes are eclectic and include octopus lamps, tiger scatter cushions, bird cage hangings, and vintage Louis Vuitton chests alongside bookshelves stacked with some interesting reading options. — Megan Wilkes, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Unique thrifted lamps and brass accents are now sought-after for their character and versatility. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026

This extends to the kitchen, where designers are layering permanent fixtures, countertop lamps, and candles. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 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