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

Thomas hid wires from the hanging lanterns by opening up the suspension rope and feeding the electrical line through it, then closing the rope again. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025

Family and friends honor Sessions’ by gathering on a beach to light lanterns on the anniversary of his death. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Astronomers then used the photonic lantern to further split apart these light wavefronts by color, like a rainbow. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025

The transparent glass shapes create elegant light paths when your tree is lit, while the opaque white designs mimic paper lanterns. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 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