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

The nearby kitchen, fitted with chef-grade appliances, emerald-green laminate cabinets and a rustic butcher block island set below two Moroccan lanterns, is open to a relaxed dining area that spills out to the backyard through more sliding glass doors. —Mark David, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024

Indoor Decorative Metal Candle Holder Lantern Curate a peaceful ambiance with this decorative metal candle lantern. —Ali Faccenda, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2024

The display also includes over 50 life-size animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2024

Standing at nine meters tall on Carlos Place, the tree is bedecked with 90 eye-catching, bespoke lanterns, each one made from aluminium and hand painted with a silver coating. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 28 Nov. 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