lampshade

American  

[lamp-shayd] / 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

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Etymology

Origin of lampshade

First recorded in 1840–50; lamp + shade

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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

Mixing old and new is important, she says, referring to the House of Hackney hollyhock pattern she recently added to the walls of the living room and bedrooms, as well as the dining room lampshade.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

Like her grandfather and father, Ms Kynaston wanted to preserve this evidence and when her dad died, her mum came to live with her a brought the piece of lampshade with her.

From BBC ● May 5, 2025

Inspired by ordinary objects like a lampshade or well-worn coat, Burch set out to redefine the form of her designs with this collection.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2024

The garage, in footage captured during his campaign, had multiple cardboard boxes and a lampshade sitting off to the side.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 18, 2023

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

The show was described by many as dramatic - with dresses that more closely resembled lampshades, complete with delightful feathers, tassels and tulle.

From BBC ● Jan. 31, 2025

Take bedding and use pillows, throws, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, art, lamps, moody colors and decorative lampshades.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 21, 2023

Her business supplying fabric for lampshades was lucrative but unfulfilling.

From New York Times ● Jun. 30, 2023

The place seemed to be a geometrically reconfigured 1960s bachelor pad, with open stonework, pile carpeting, and magnificently ugly mushroom-shaped stained glass lampshades.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

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