lampuilla

Lampuilla is a term used in various Spanish-speaking regions with more than one implied meaning; there is no single, widely accepted definition. In dictionaries and everyday usage it may denote a small lamp, but in different local dialects the word can refer to distinct objects or practices related to lighting. Because of regional variation, the exact sense of lampuilla is best determined from context.

The word derives from lámpara, the Spanish word for lamp, with the diminutive suffix -illa, indicating smallness or familiarity.

As a physical object, lampuilla commonly refers to a small portable lamp or lantern. Traditional examples are clay or metal vessels with a wick and a shallow fuel reservoir. Common traditional fuels include olive oil or other vegetable oils, animal fat, or kerosene, depending on local availability. Some lampuillas feature a glass chimney or a simple shade to reduce glare; designs range from plain utilitarian devices to elaborately decorated pieces used for cultural or ceremonial occasions.

In rural communities, lampuilla may be used for home lighting, outdoor work, or ritual observances where candles are not used. In modern contexts, the term is sometimes preserved in folk vocabulary or as a traditional craft reference, even when electric lighting has become common.

Other uses of the term may exist in local dialects or as place names, but they are not widely standardized. See also lamp, lantern, and lampshade.