1. people whose job was to light and maintain street lamps, especially gas lamps in earlier times
Usage: historical
2. people who inspire or motivate others; those who bring enlightenment or guidance
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The lamplighters made their rounds every evening at dusk.
• Victorian lamplighters carried long poles to reach the gas fixtures.
• Before electric streetlights, lamplighters were essential city workers.
• The old lamplighter knew every street in his district by heart.
• Teachers often serve as lamplighters, illuminating young minds.
• She considered herself one of the lamplighters in her community, always encouraging others.
• The organization’s lamplighters work to spread hope in underserved neighborhoods.