Lamplighter - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A lamplighter is a person whose job is to light and maintain street lamps, traditionally using gas or oil. This role was common before electric lighting became widespread.
Definition:
A person who lights or tends to street lamps, especially in the past.
Synonyms:
lightkeeper, lamplight attendant, gaslighter
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
extinguisher, douser
Common Collocations:
old lamplighter, gas lamplighter, nightly lamplighter
Derivatives:
lamplighting, lamplighters
Usage Tips:
Use "lamplighter" to describe historical roles; modern equivalents are rare but may appear in literature or period settings.
Common Phrases:
"the last lamplighter, " "lamplighter's song, " "lamplighter's route"
Etymology:
From "lamp" + "lighter," referring to one who lights lamps, dating to the 18th century when street lamps needed manual lighting.
Examples:
- 1. The lamplighter walked down the cobbled street at dusk.
- 2. Children watched the lamplighter ignite each gaslight with a long pole.
- 3. The old lamplighter shared stories of his nightly rounds.
- 4. In the 19th century, a lamplighter was essential for urban safety.