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

In the living room, an antique trumeau mirror inherited from Kerry’s great-grandmother joins vintage Scandinavian seating and tables, drawings by contemporary sculptor James Capper, an Akari lantern by Isamu Noguchi, and, to pepper the pot, a Rose Uniacke ottoman dressed in chartreuse linen. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2026

Though two lanterns were held aloft in the Old North Church tower, Revere was not waiting on the Charlestown shore to see them. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

Man Ray painted a harlequin with a candlelit lantern for a head in 1939, taking direct inspiration from Schiaparelli’s Harlequin coat from her Modern Comedy collection, launched in October 1938. —Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026

Place battery candles in lanterns for safe ambient lighting. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026

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