Word
lampshade
Phoneticslamp·shade
US/ˈlæmpˌʃeɪd/
UK/lˈæmpʃeɪd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a cover for a light that makes the light softer or directs it where you need it. It is usually made of cloth, paper, or plastic and sits on top of a lamp.
n. a decorative or functional cover for an electric light bulb, designed to diffuse light and prevent glare. Typically constructed from fabric, parchment, or synthetic materials and supported by a wire frame.
Examples
“The new lampshade makes the room feel much warmer.”
“She chose a silk lampshade to match the curtains in the living room.”
“The designer opted for a minimalist glass lampshade that allowed the industrial filament of the bulb to remain visible while softening the overall output.”
Examples
simple
“The new lampshade makes the room feel much warmer.”
contextual
“She chose a silk lampshade to match the curtains in the living room.”
complex
“The designer opted for a minimalist glass lampshade that allowed the industrial filament of the bulb to remain visible while softening the overall output.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lampshade” in context.
Verb
01. attach lampshade
“It is difficult to attach the lampshade to this specific light fixture.”
verb + noun
02. lampshade rattles
“The lampshade rattles every time a heavy truck drives past the house.”
noun + verb
03. remove lampshade
“Please remove the lampshade before you try to change the bulb.”
verb + noun
04. tilt lampshade
“She tilted the lampshade to direct the light toward her book.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. matching lampshade
“The set includes a duvet cover and a matching lampshade.”
adj + noun
06. paper lampshade
“He bought a cheap paper lampshade for his student apartment.”
adj + noun
07. pleated lampshade
“Dust often settles in the folds of a pleated lampshade.”
adj + noun
08. silk lampshade
“The elegant silk lampshade softened the light in the bedroom.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. edge of lampshade
“A decorative gold trim was sewn around the edge of the lampshade.”
noun + prep + noun
10. dust the lampshade
“Don't forget to dust the lampshade when you clean the lounge.”
11. fit a new lampshade
“We decided to fit a new lampshade to brighten up the living room.”
Real-World Examples
“It can feel daunting to commit to a bold paint colour or wallpaper, so [lampshades] are a lower-stakes way of adding character,” says homeware designer Alice Palmer, whose draping linen Pantry lampshades run the colours of the rainbow.” “The best lampshades come in many forms, whether as a simple drum, a rice paper shade à la Noguchi, or a whimsical scalloped model.” “Despite feeling like it should be an easy finishing touch (after all, it is an accessory), choosing a lampshade can be devilishly tricky.” “After she’s scored the perfect base, a quest for a shade usually ensues. Older fixtures rarely come with their original lampshades” Etymology
From lamp + shade. The verb sense, meaning to draw conspicuous attention to something, derives from the visual effect of placing a lampshade upon an object — a gesture that makes it unmissable rather than merely illuminated.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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