shade

noun (SLIGHT DARKNESS)

/ʃeɪd/

Definition

B1 [U] slight darkness caused by something blocking the direct light from the sun: The sun was hot, and there were no trees to offer us shade. The children played in/under the shade of a large beach umbrella. → See also sunshadeDarkness and becoming dark C2 [C] a covering that is put over an electric light in order to make it less bright: The lamps all had matching purple shades.Lighting and light fittings in the home › [U] specialized (also shading) the parts of a picture or painting that the artist has made slightly darker than the other parts: A good artist can produce a very realistic effect using only light and shade.Pictures shades [plural] informal › dark glasses: She was wearing a black leather jacket and shades.Gloves and other accessoriesEyesight, glasses and lensesUsing the eyesThe eye and surrounding areaOptics, microscopy and lasers › [C] US for roller blindCurtains and wallpaper

(Definition of shade noun (SLIGHT DARKNESS) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)