hurricane lamp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “hurricane lamp” mean?
A portable oil lamp with a glass chimney designed to protect the flame from being extinguished by wind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable oil lamp with a glass chimney designed to protect the flame from being extinguished by wind.
An antiquated lighting device, now often used decoratively or during power outages; a symbol of pre-electric era or rustic ambiance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood in both varieties, though it may be slightly more common in historical or decorative contexts in the UK.
Connotations
Evokes nostalgia, camping, historical settings, or emergency preparedness.
Frequency
Rare in everyday modern speech; largely historical or niche.
Grammar
How to Use “hurricane lamp” in a Sentence
light a hurricane lampfill the hurricane lamptrim the wick of the hurricane lampVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hurricane lamp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They hurricane-lamped the garden path for the evening party.
American English
- We hurricane-lamped the campsite as the sun went down.
adverb
British English
- The room was lit hurricane-lamp style.
American English
- The patio was illuminated hurricane-lamp bright.
adjective
British English
- The hurricane-lamp glow created a cosy atmosphere.
American English
- We bought hurricane-lamp oil at the hardware store.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in antique sales or outdoor/camping goods.
Academic
Used in historical or anthropological contexts discussing domestic technology.
Everyday
Used when discussing camping, power cuts, or decorative antiques.
Technical
Specifies a lamp with a protected flame draft design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hurricane lamp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hurricane lamp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hurricane lamp”
- Misspelling as 'hurrican lamp'. Confusing it with a simple candle lantern.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often, yes. 'Hurricane lamp' specifies the wind-protected design, while 'kerosene lamp' specifies the fuel. Many hurricane lamps use kerosene (paraffin).
Yes, but with caution due to fire risk and the need for ventilation to avoid buildup of fumes from the burning oil.
Because its design, particularly the glass chimney, allows it to withstand strong drafts or wind—metaphorically, a 'hurricane'—without the flame going out.
Yes, they are manufactured both as functional items for camping/emergencies and as decorative or antique-reproduction pieces.
A portable oil lamp with a glass chimney designed to protect the flame from being extinguished by wind.
Hurricane lamp is usually neutral in register.
Hurricane lamp: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌr.ɪ.kən ˌlæmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɝː.ə.keɪn ˌlæmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a lamp that can withstand a HURRICANE because of its glass chimney.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIABILITY IS WEATHER-RESISTANCE (a lamp that works in a storm is dependable).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary design feature of a hurricane lamp?