lampshade

American  

[lamp-sheyd] / ˈlæmpˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. a shade, usually translucent or opaque, for shielding the glare of a light source in a lamp or for directing the light to a particular area.

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Etymology

Origin of lampshade

First recorded in 1840–50; lamp + shade

Explanation

A lampshade is a decorative cover that diffuses a lightbulb's brightness. Besides looking pretty, lampshades also prevent a light's glare from temporarily blinding you. If the naked bulb on your lamp casts a stark and blinding light, try putting a lampshade on top. This device does just what its name implies, shading the lamp's light in a pleasant way. Lampshades can be made of fabric, plastic, glass, or paper, and they come in an enormous variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Early 20th-century vaudeville performers created the enduring trope of a man with a lampshade on his head as the wacky life of the party.

Example Sentences

Available in three sizes and five colors, the Mágico is a hand-built and painted stoneware lamp and lampshade.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

While many of the designs took Burch out of her comfort zone, the one that stood out was the hooded sweater with orange lampshade skirt.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2024

It has been likened to the magical carpet bag carried by Mary Poppins who, in the eponymous 1964 musical, pulls a hat stand and lampshade out of her holdall.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2024

These are clearly not designed to be hidden in a lampshade but, rather, to be on display as beautiful light bulbs in open fixtures.

From The Verge • Aug. 26, 2022

To reach it without groping, he had to raise himself somewhat higher, which caused the back of his head to graze a corner of the lampshade.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger