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

Refresh Light Fixtures Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025

More than 145 handmade lantern sculptures of plants and animals will glow across the grounds. —Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025

There, a custom table by Ficus Interfaith bears terrazzo motifs of Brooklyn flora, inspiration echoed in a Charlap Hyman & Herrero lantern hand-painted by Pilar Almon (Charlap Hyman’s mother). —Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 18 Mar. 2025

The current green pierhead lighthouse is at the end of the North Pier at South Marina, the remainder of the fog signal building and lantern room of the lighthouse, which were destroyed in a fire in June of 1967. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025

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