What does lampshade mean?
A lampshade is a decorative covering placed over a lamp to soften or direct its light and reduce glare. It may be made from fabric, paper, glass, metal, or another material and can form an important part of a room's décor. Although its primary purpose is functional, a lampshade can also conceal the bulb and the lamp's fittings, giving a fixture a finished appearance. The term is used for shades fitted to table lamps, floor lamps, and some ceiling or wall lights. Both “lampshade” and the two-word form “lamp shade” are common, although the closed compound is especially frequent in general use. The word combines “lamp” with “shade,” clearly describing the covering that shields the light source and regulates the illumination it produces.
nounA decorative cover fitted over a lamp to diffuse or direct its light and protect the bulb.
- A removable or fitted decorative covering for a lamp, especially a table or floor lamp, that softens, diffuses, or directs the light.
"She replaced the worn lampshade with a simple cream one."
"The warm glow of the reading lamp was softened by a linen lampshade."
"The antique brass lampshade was restored for the sitting room."
The regular plural is “lampshades.”
"The workshop makes lampshades from vintage fabric."
A lampshade does more than decorate a lamp: it shapes the light while shielding nearby eyes from the glare.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lampshade come from?
“Lampshade” is a compound formed in the 19th century from “lamp” and “shade.” “Lamp” ultimately comes through Old English from Latin “lampas,” originally a translucent oil vessel. “Shade” comes from Old English “sceadu,” meaning darkness or shadow, and developed the sense of a partial screen that reduces or softens light.
How lampshade is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English. It is also commonly written as two words, “lamp shade,” particularly in product descriptions and furniture listings.