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

Artemis II mission specialist Christina Koch described the scattering of tiny craters across the daytime side proudly reflecting sunlight, like pinpricks in a lampshade.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 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

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

She wore a white linen suit and spectator pumps topped by a straw hat as smart as a lampshade.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord