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

In San Francisco, Chinatown glows with lanterns, pop‑up performances, and bustling markets as the city builds toward its iconic Chinese New Year Parade on March 7 — one of the largest outside Asia. —James Ward, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Chinese street fairs in Moscow People sampled Chinese cuisine from stalls and strolled along snowy streets decorated with red lanterns and dragons as two weeks of events got underway Monday at various venues in the Russian capital. —Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

Firecrackers, red lanterns and elaborate firework displays are also a large part of the Lunar New Year spectacle around the world. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026

Children carry lanterns around the neighborhood at night to mark the end of the celebration. —Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 17 Feb. 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