What does lampstand mean?
A lampstand is a stand designed to support a lamp or other light source. In ordinary use, it may simply describe the base or upright fixture beside which a reading lamp is placed, but the word has especially strong biblical and religious associations. In the Book of Revelation, a golden lampstand is a prominent heavenly symbol, and references to temple lampstands also appear in discussions of ancient worship. The term can denote a practical household support, an ornate brass or golden fixture, or a ceremonial object associated with a sanctuary. Compared with candlestick, it is broader because it can hold a lamp rather than only a candle. Compared with lampshade, it performs a different function: rather than covering or directing light, it holds and stabilizes the light source. In contemporary writing, lampstand is most natural when the object itself is noteworthy because of its design, history, or religious significance.
nounA stand or support designed to hold a lamp or other light source. The term is especially common in biblical and Christian contexts, where it refers to a tall ornamental stand for one or more lamps.
- A stand or support for a lamp, especially an ornamental or religious one.
"The brass lampstand stood beside the reading desk, casting a warm pool of light across the room."
"She placed a small reading lamp on the lampstand beside the sofa."
"The ancient lampstand was displayed in the center of the sanctuary."
The standard plural is lampstands.
"Several ornate lampstands line the walls of the chapel."
In the Book of Revelation, a golden lampstand becomes a striking image of light, vigilance, and enduring witness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lampstand
Lampstand is a compound formed in English from lamp and stand. The word lamp ultimately comes through Old French lampe from Latin lampas, associated with a torch or light, while stand derives from Old English standan, meaning to be placed or support. Both elements are old, and the compound follows the ordinary English pattern of naming an object by combining the thing it holds with the support that bears it.
Related word forms
How lampstand is actually used
In modern English, lampstand is somewhat formal and literary, though it remains common in biblical, religious, and historical contexts. It can refer to a simple support for a table lamp as well as to an elaborate architectural or ceremonial fixture.
Easily confused with lampstand
A lampstand holds and supports a lamp, whereas a lampshade is the covering that softens or directs the light from a lamp.
A candlestick is specifically designed to hold a candle, while a lampstand generally supports a lamp and may accommodate several flames or lights.