lantern

noun, often attributive

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lan·tern | \ ˈlan-tərn

Definition of lantern

1 : a usually portable protective case for a light with transparent openings — compare chinese lantern

2a 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 Variant drops their lantern, igniting the oil underfoot and burning three of the Minutemen. — Alex Kane, USA TODAY, 9 June 2021 Bringing a simple, reliable, solar lantern like this one from Luminaid ($25) is another great way to hedge your bets against washing dishes in the dark. — Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 6 June 2021 More Icons Also included in the exhibition is a small statue of a slave boy bearing a lantern, who appears to have fallen asleep on his feet while waiting for his master to show up. — Tobias Grey, WSJ, 14 May 2021 The Watch Hill Lighthouse Tower, built in 1855, is a three-story, square rockface granite block tower, topped with a cast iron and glass lantern. — BostonGlobe.com, 13 May 2021 John Palacios and Jami Mims installed solar panels on their roof and a retro lantern in their living room. — Taylor Kate Brown, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 May 2021 Stone walks, a whimsical garden lantern and other accents bring joy. — courant.com, 14 May 2021 In fact, the lantern even comes with a reusable cap that will protect your flame from spontaneous rain or debris. — Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 12 May 2021 The lovers haunt the pond even now, Bear said solemnly, then stood with the lantern and left the children to put out the fire and camp in the boathouse alone. — Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lantern.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.