lamp

noun

1
a
: any of various devices for producing light or sometimes heat: such as
(1)
: a vessel with a wick for burning an inflammable liquid (such as oil) to produce light
(2)
: a glass bulb or tube that emits light produced by electricity (such as an incandescent light bulb or fluorescent lamp)
b
: a decorative appliance housing a lamp that is usually covered by a shade
2
: a celestial body
3
: a source of intellectual or spiritual illumination
4
: eye sense 1a
usually used in plural

Examples of lamp in a Sentence

I didn't realize it had gotten so dark in the room until my wife came in and turned on the lamp, momentarily blinding me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Use cable ties to secure any dangling cords from lamps, computers, TVs or other electronics. Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The heat lamp is focused on Juan Soto in Queens right now. Chris Branch, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Michael Ledeen was a brilliant historian who dedicated his life to freedom, the lamp of liberty lit by the Judeo-Christian tradition of America and that West. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 20 May 2025 What To Know Under the current law, indoor tanning services are defined as any service using equipment that incorporates ultraviolet (UV) lamps intended for skin tanning. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lamp

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French lampe, from Latin lampas, from Greek, from lampein to shine; akin to Hittite lap- to burn

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lamp was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lamp. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

lamp

noun
: a device for producing light or heat

Medical Definition

lamp

noun
: any of various devices for producing light or heat see kromayer lamp, slit lamp

More from Merriam-Webster on lamp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!