Lighting Terminology, Definitions, & Glossary

Lighting comes with its own language. Not complicated, exactly, but full of terms that don’t always explain themselves right away. Flush mount. Pendant. Sconce. Canopy. Diffuser. Once you start looking at lighting, these words show up everywhere.

Our lighting glossary is here to make those terms a little clearer. It’s a simple guide to the words you’ll see most often when browsing light fixtures, planning a room, or figuring out how a light actually installs.

Some entries explain the types of fixtures you’ll come across, like pendants, chandeliers, and wall sconces. Others cover the smaller details that shape how a light works or looks, from mounting hardware to the parts that soften or direct the light.

The goal isn’t to be overly technical. Most lighting decisions don’t require that. It just helps to know what people mean when they talk about certain fixtures, materials, or installation details.

Think of this glossary as a quick reference. A place to look up a term, get a clear explanation, and move on with a better sense of what you’re looking at. Simple definitions, straightforward language, and a little more clarity around the vocabulary of lighting.

Click on any term below for a more thorough explanation.