lampshade
2 synonyms 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
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
lamp shade
How to use lampshade
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lampshade a plot hole
hang a lampshade on
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.
Related words
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