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

Wait to carve jack-o-lanterns until three to five days before Halloween. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

Cutely line them up along the mantel with candles or lanterns, or add them to a nice tray with a few jack-o’-lanterns. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025

At full battery, the lanterns will last an impressive 25 hours. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025

The restoration of these lanterns involved replacing the original light bulbs with LED lights for sustainability reasons. —Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 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