streetlight

This term refers specifically to the physical infrastructure of urban lighting. It is often used in narrative descriptions to establish a mood of isolation, urban decay, or safety, as the presence or absence of light significantly alters the atmosphere of a scene.

While often used interchangeably with "lamp post," "streetlight" emphasizes the function of providing light to a street rather than just the physical pole. It is a neutral term used across all registers, from casual conversation to formal city planning documents.