lampshade

American  

[lamp-sheyd] / ˈlæmpˌʃeɪd /

noun

• lampshades
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• lampshades
  plural

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

See Examples For:

lampshade lampshades

The company has faced fierce criticism online for the lampshade outfits, which obscured the women’s faces.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 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

“While she thoughtfully sources lampshade frames from a local artisan and uses 100% compostable components for shipping, it’s the wood she utilizes in her designs that highlight her unwavering dedication to the environment,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2023

In a video released by his campaign in August 2020, Biden is seen backing the car into the garage, where a messy pile of materials appears to include a cardboard box and a lampshade.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2023

A pipeline of vision went through the door crack, between two giant candles from Palermo and under an amber lampshade from Poland.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Saleh sometimes leads painting workshops where participants can decorate items like ornaments and lampshades.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

Brick walls and exposed piping contrast with wooden furniture, white couches and floor cushions and the warm glow of Noguchi lampshades.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2025

She notes BioKnit is already being used by designers to make lampshades, for example.

From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2023

The rugs and lampshades they produce are especially attractive to customers, with the company now exporting some products to Europe.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 7, 2023

White drum-shaped lampshades flanking the sofa were still wrapped in the manufacturer’s plastic.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri