lamplighter

noun

lamp·​light·​er ˈlamp-ˌlī-tər 

: one that lights a lamp

Examples of lamplighter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The invention of electricity made menial jobs like the lamplighter, the elevator operator, and the knocker-up, the human equivalent to the modern alarm clock, irrelevant. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026

In a prior essay months ago, Altman talked about job displacement, using the example of the old lamplighter – someone whose job would be to put fire to the streetlamps used in the times before municipal electricity. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Correspondent Seth Doane talks with one of London's last lamplighters, and with gaslight enthusiasts who have fought to protect these historic fixtures. —David Morgan, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025

The reminiscences divulged incidents from Mr. March’s early life from the days of back yard play to official lamplighter for the city. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

But there’s reason to wonder whether his profession—like that of lamplighters, town criers, and cigarette girls—might be a thing of the past. —Andrew O’Hagan, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lamplighter

• exciter
• firefighter
• igniter
• reciter
• screenwriter
• scriptwriter
• songwriter
• sportswriter
• typewriter
• biter
• brighter
• fighter

Kids Definition

lamplighter

noun

lamp·​light·​er ˈlam-ˌplīt-ər 

: one that lights a lamp

especially : a person employed to light gas streetlights