noun
lampshade
LAMP-shayd
Lampshade (noun) means a cover placed over a light bulb to soften or direct the light and prevent glare. Example: “She picked out a cream lampshade to match the curtains.”
noun
1
A cover placed over a light bulb to soften or direct the light and prevent glare.
"She picked out a cream lampshade to match the curtains."
verb
1
In storytelling, to draw attention to something unlikely or clichéd in the plot, often as a joke, rather than trying to hide it.
"The film lampshades its own absurd plot twist with a wink to the audience."
How to use lampshade
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally, the cover over a lamp; in writing and film criticism, calling attention to a plot hole on purpose instead of ignoring it.
Common pairings
lampshade a plot hole
hang a lampshade on
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Word forms
- Plural
- lampshades
- Third person singular
- lampshades
- Past tense
- lampshaded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She picked out a cream _____ to match the curtains.
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.
Synonyms
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lamp shade
shade
Related words
Rhymes for lampshade
See all rhymes for 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.
