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Definition of headlamp

headlamp

/ˈhɛd.læmp/
head · lamp

Plural:headlamps
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headlamp Lexical Profile

headlamp Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A portable, battery-operated light worn on the forehead or attached to a helmet, providing hands-free illumination for activities such as mining, caving, or night hiking.

Example

"Before descending into the dark cave system, the spelunker ensured her headlamp was tightly secured and had fresh batteries."


2

A powerful light attached to the front of a motor vehicle, locomotive, or bicycle, designed to illuminate the road or track ahead.

Example

"The heavy fog made visibility so poor that even with the high-beam headlamps on, the driver could barely see the road."

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably with 'headlight' when referring to vehicles, 'headlamp' is the universally preferred term for the wearable, strap-on light used by hikers, miners, and mechanics.

• Rhymes for headlamp

Word Origin & Etymology

Late 19th century; a compound of 'head' (referring to the front position of a vehicle or the human head) and 'lamp'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Headlamp. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/headlamp
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