oil lamp
8
4.1
- noun
- /ɔɪl læmp/
- In the corner of the room, a flickering oil lamp cast dancing shadows on the walls.
- light the oil lamp
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Watch on YouTubeAll across the world, people use these technologies or, you know, oil lamps and candles.
- All across the world, people use these technologies or, you know, oil lamps and candles.
- Now in those days there was no electricity lamps you you lit with tallow candles or in some cases oil lamps.
- We'll turn the movement round and I'll put turn the oil lamp off.
Examples
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Bear then led the kids into the cellar, which was quite dark, only lit by a small oil lamp on the table.
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A bedside table held a small oil lamp, a tray of tiny pastries, and a cup.
Fiction book (1998) -
All across the world, people use these technologies or, you know, oil lamps and candles.
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The arena trap doors were kept shut and the only light came from oil lamps like these.
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By the warm glow of the oil lamp, Tom could see that the two were well dressed.
Fiction book (1992) -
But she leaves the oil lamp on for him so he won't be afraid.
Fiction book (1996) -
Throughout the interior, a great many oil lamps provided warm illumination.
Fiction book (1993) -
I lit the room with oil lamps, so they wouldn't notice when the power went out.
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I awoke to someone shaking me and the light of an oil lamp flickering.
Fiction book (1993) -
The shed-like room was lit by oil lamps and flaring pine torches.
Fiction book (1992)
Synonyms
348
1.0
Something that gives light for a room or table
5
3.7
A lamp that burns kerosene to give light
1
5.1
A lamp with a glass chimney and metal top that protects the flame from wind
1
5.0
A light that uses oil and stops flammable gas from catching fire in mines
1
6.8
An oil lamp with a glass chimney that protects the flame from wind
A lamp that burns kerosene to give light
How Bright
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a lamp that burns oil' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'oil' (a fuel/liquid) with 'lamp' (a light source). This simple noun-noun compound follows common compositional patterns found cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Oil lamp comes from the simple practice of burning oil in a small lamp or bowl with a wick to make light. So, the name means 'a lamp that burns oil'.