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

Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights The Cincinnati Zoo is all in for its annual PNC Festival of Lights, complete with over 5 million LED lights and 65 animal lanterns located throughout the zoo. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Dec. 2025

At night, Mino's Udatsu Preservation District is illuminated with stunning washi paper lanterns made by local artists. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

Visit from November to January to see the famed North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, where the grounds of the venue are transformed into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life silk sculpture lanterns. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025

Plus, there are cultural celebrations, such as Thailand’s Yi Peng lantern releases and Hong Kong’s Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, that are timed around the full moon. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 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