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

WdtPro Classic Black Solar Lanterns, 2 Pack Create a cozy environment with this set of two versatile lanterns that can be hung, clipped into place, or set on a flat surface. —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026

The fifteenth and final day of the holiday is the Lantern Festival, during which people have tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, and children carry lanterns around the neighborhood at night to mark the end of the celebration, according to the National Museum of Asian Art. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

This homeowner painted an outdoor lantern and wired it for the indoors. —Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025

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

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