lantern

noun, often attributive lan·tern \ ˈlan-tərn \

|Updated on: 5 Jun 2018

Definition of lantern

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 2b

See lantern defined for English-language learners

See lantern defined for kids

Recent Examples of lantern from the Web

The lantern has been a welcome addition to my camping kit.

— emily reed, Outside Online, "Our Favorite Lantern Just Got a Major Upgrade," 30 May 2018
The Glass Sound Speaker is very pretty, with a glass cylinder that not only pushes out sound in a more natural-sounding frequency, but also glows like a lantern with a dimmable LED.

— emily heller, The Verge, "Last minute Mother’s Day gifts, discounts on laptops, and an iPhone X bundle," 12 May 2018
Each site has a lantern post, picnic table, fire ring and convenient access to bathrooms and hot showers.

— amy aumick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Columbia County: Finding the great outdoors in Osceola National Forest," 7 May 2018
Dim lighting, paintings, a large mirror, lantern chandeliers, and red-glass lamps offer swank.

— naomi kooker, BostonGlobe.com, "A seamless transition from Blue Stove to Bazille," 4 May 2018
Sitting in that hall of deep red drapes and lantern-like lights that same Wednesday, Colbath broke down.

— silvia foster-frau, San Antonio Express-News, "Sutherland Springs residents attend National Day of Prayer," 3 May 2018
Vesak commemorations at Gangaramaya tend to be more festive, with prizes given for lantern building, another tradition that has become too commercial, critics say.

— maria abi-habib, New York Times, "How to Celebrate Buddha in Sri Lanka? Stop Partying, Some Say," 2 May 2018
Additionally, Ricks said, a man found Monday afternoon in a bunker on the grounds said lantern fuel had been spread throughout the wooden complex and that the fire was started simultaneously in several places.

— Fox News, "AP Was There: The fiery end of the standoff in Waco, Texas," 19 Apr. 2018
This lantern’s Asian feel, said Mia Jung, director of interiors for bicoastal firm Ike Kligerman Barkley, links it to the Qing-dynasty bamboo seat, while its simplicity speaks to the bookshelves’ minimalism.

— kelly michèle guerotto, WSJ, "Décor Challenge: Can Eastern and Western Styles Coexist?," 5 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of lantern

Middle English lanterne, from Anglo-French, from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr, from lampein to shine — more at lamp

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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LANTERN Defined for English Language Learners

lantern

noun

Definition of lantern for English Language Learners

: a light that has usually a glass covering and that can be carried by a handle

LANTERN Defined for Kids

lantern

noun lan·tern \ ˈlan-tərn \

Definition of lantern for Students

: a usually portable lamp with a protective covering

Learn More about lantern

Spanish Central: Translation of lantern Nglish: Translation of lantern for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lantern for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lantern

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lantern

Definition of lantern

Recent Examples of lantern from the Web

Origin and Etymology of lantern

LANTERN Defined for English Language Learners

lantern

Definition of lantern for English Language Learners

LANTERN Defined for Kids

lantern

Definition of lantern for Students

Learn More about lantern

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