lampshade
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lampshade, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A cover placed over a light bulb to soften or direct the light and prevent glare.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lampshade
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "lamp" + "shade." The storytelling sense is a 21st-century coinage, referencing the idiom "hanging a lampshade on it" — making an awkward element more visible rather than less.
Full origin of lampshade →Frequently asked questions
What does “lampshade” mean?
The word “lampshade” means a cover placed over a light bulb to soften or direct the light and prevent glare. In plain terms, literally, the cover over a lamp; in writing and film criticism, calling attention to a plot hole on purpose instead of ignoring it.
How do you pronounce “lampshade”?
“Lampshade” is pronounced LAMP-shayd (/ˈlæmp.ʃeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “lampshade” in a sentence?
Here is “lampshade” used in a sentence: “She picked out a cream lampshade to match the curtains.”
What part of speech is “lampshade”?
Depending on how it is used, “lampshade” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lampshade” come from?
The word “lampshade” dates back to around 2000. From "lamp" + "shade." The storytelling sense is a 21st-century coinage, referencing the idiom "hanging a lampshade on it" — making an awkward element more visible rather than less.
How many meanings does “lampshade” have?
“Lampshade” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cover placed over a light bulb to soften or direct the light and prevent glare.