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

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

The stairs leading to Wolf’s Montauk patio are bursting with greenery and lined with light-sensor solar lanterns. —Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026

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

My family spent many weekend mornings here, but during the pandemic, my husband and I would occasionally get fancy takeout food and cocktails and eat at one of the private picnic tables by the light of a camping lantern. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 11 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