Lamppost
/ˈlæmˌpoʊst/
nounA2
Definition
A lamppost is a vertical pole usually found outside on streets or sidewalks. It has a lamp or light fixed at the top that shines to make the area brighter and safer during dark times like night. People use lampposts to see better and to help cars and pedestrians move safely.
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See It in Action
A tall pole with a light used to brighten streets or outdoor areas
- •The lampposts along the road turned on as the sun set.
- •She waited under the lamppost for her friend to arrive.
- •The lampposts help drivers see better at night.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lamppost" like "light" (A1 word), but it is a tall pole that holds the light high above the ground.
- ✓Picture a street at night with tall poles that have bright lights shining down on the road and sidewalks.
- ✓It's the feeling of walking home safely when the street is bright because of these lights.
- ✓Sounds like "lamp-post" → imagine a lamp standing on a post like a tall stick holding a lamp high up.
- ✓Think of a quiet city street where the lamppost lights create small bright circles on the dark pavement.
- ✓NOT like a "flashlight" (handheld light), a lamppost is fixed and stays in one place.
- ✓NOT like a "candle" (small and soft light), a lamppost gives strong light from above to cover a big area.
Try Other Words
- •Streetlight: light on the street (Use when referring to the light itself or the lighting system)
- •Light pole: pole with a light (Use in more technical or formal contexts)
- •Lamp standard: another word for lamppost (Use mainly in British English or formal writing)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "lamp" (a device that gives light) + "post" (a tall stick or pole)
- •Etymology: English, combining two simple words to describe a pole holding a lamp
- •Historical development: Used since the 1800s when street lighting became common in cities
- •Modern usage: Common word for the poles with lights on streets, parks, and public areas
Reflect & Connect
•How do lampposts change the feeling of safety and comfort in a neighborhood at night?
•Can you think of any special uses for lampposts besides lighting streets?
Fill in the blanks
1.People walk more safely at night because lampposts ___ the street with light.
2.A lamppost usually stands ___ on the sidewalk or road edge.
3.Unlike a flashlight, a lamppost is ___ and cannot be carried.
4.When the power goes out, the lampposts ___ stop working until fixed.
5.You might see someone waiting ___ a lamppost while waiting for a bus or friend.
6.Lampposts help drivers by ___ the road so they can see better.
7.In old movies, a lamppost often shows a quiet street ___ with light in the dark.