lantern

noun

lan·​tern ˈlan-tərn 

often attributive

1

: a usually portable protective case for a light with transparent openings compare chinese lantern

2

a

obsolete : lighthouse

b

: the chamber in a lighthouse containing the light

c

: a structure with glazed or open sides above an opening in a roof for light or ventilation

d

: a small tower or cupola or one stage of a cupola

3

: projector sense 2b

Examples of lantern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just a maze of wooden boardwalks connecting a smattering of cozy tents lit by lanterns and decorated with sheepskin rugs, leather steamer trunks, and plaid throw blankets. —Leslie Jamison, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2025

The rail buff may focus on dining car china, lanterns, switch locks and keys, calendars, timetables or any other artifacts utilized by the railroads. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

In one project, Hartman says, her firm used low-level step lights to safely illuminate the walking path, gas lanterns for romance and nostalgia, and pendant lights in a tree for unexpected drama. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

The Witch’s family of Puritan exiles spend the film terrorized by a creepy goat that’s also Satan, but there’s a distinct beauty to the scenes around the family dinner table, barely lit by a lone lantern. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lanterne, from Anglo-French, from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr, from lampein to shine — more at lamp

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lantern

• Chinese lantern
• dark lantern
• friar's lantern
• jack-o'-lantern
• lantern fish
• lantern fly
• lantern jaw
• magic lantern
• spotted lantern fly

Kids Definition

lantern

noun

lan·​tern ˈlant-ərn 

1

: a usually portable light with a protective covering

2

: projector