lamp

lamp — noun

1. a device that produces light, designed to stand on a surface or the floor, usual

1.nounA2
Definition

a device that produces light, designed to stand on a surface or the floor, usually with a cover or shade that softens or directs the glow

Example

Tara switched on her desk lamp to read the small print on the contract.

collocation: desk lamp

Bilal knocked over the bedside lamp while reaching for his phone in the dark.

Common collocations
  • desk lamp
  • table lamp
  • floor lamp
  • bedside lamp
  • oil lamp
  • lamp shade
  • switch on a lamp
  • turn off a lamp
Synonyms
  • light

    broader term; can refer to any source of illumination, including ceiling fixtures and car headlights

  • lantern

    a portable or hanging light source, often with a glass covering, used outdoors or for decoration

Common Mistakes

I bought a new light lamp for my bedroom.
I bought a new lamp for my bedroom.
'light' and 'lamp' are not used together; 'lamp' already refers to a source of light.

2. a device that gives off a specific form of light or heat, used for medical treat

2.nounB2
Definition

a device that gives off a specific form of light or heat, used for medical treatment, scientific research, or industrial purposes

Example

The dermatologist gave Takeshi UV lamp treatment twice a week for his skin condition.

collocation: UV lamp

Mira dried the clay pots under an infrared lamp before painting them.

Common collocations
  • UV lamp
  • heat lamp
  • infrared lamp
  • sun lamp
  • high-intensity lamp
Synonyms
  • light source

    a more general scientific term for anything that emits light

  • emitter

    technical term used in engineering and physics for a device that releases light or heat

Usage Note

Lamps of this type are usually identified by their specific name (e.g. UV lamp, heat lamp) rather than by the word lamp alone.

Common Mistakes

The doctor prescribed me lamp therapy.
The doctor prescribed me UV lamp therapy.
With specialized lamps, always name the specific type to avoid confusion with household lamps.

lamp — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Lamp, light, and lantern all refer to devices that produce illumination, but they differ in form and context. Lamp usually describes a household or office fixture with a base and shade, placed on a surface or the floor. Light is a broader term that covers any source of illumination, from a ceiling fixture to a car headlight, and is more common in everyday speech ('turn on the light'). Lantern describes a portable or hanging light source with a glass or transparent covering, used for camping, decoration, or historical settings. You might say 'I need a new lamp for my desk' but 'Can you turn on the lights?' when referring to a room's ceiling fixtures.

lamp ↗light ↗lantern ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • lamp bulb
  • lamp oil
  • lamp post

Phrases

  • switch on a lamp
  • turn off a lamp

Etymology

Ancient GreekLatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word lamp entered English from Old French lampe, which came from Latin lampas, meaning 'torch.' Latin borrowed it from Ancient Greek λαμπάς (lampás), also 'torch', related to the verb λάμπειν (lámpein, 'to shine'). The modern sense of an electric household light fixture developed in the late 19th century with the spread of electric lighting.