lantern

noun

lan·​tern ˈlan-tərn How to pronounce lantern (audio)
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

Examples of lantern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thousands of visitors to the Nashville Zoo this holiday season will be welcomed by a massive collection of glowing lanterns, all hand-painted by experts who have spent months on the design and display. Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025 When daylight faded and night would fall, the magic of the solar lanterns would come to life. Ed Massey, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025 Cuba’s small Chinese community celebrated the Lunar New Year on Tuesday night with a parade of glowing lanterns and dragons winding their way through the narrow streets of Chinatown. Ken Moritsugu, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 For that reason, people began to hang red lanterns and scrolls during the Lunar New Year to stay safe. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lantern 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lantern was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near lantern

Cite this Entry

“Lantern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lantern. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

lantern

noun
lan·​tern ˈlant-ərn How to pronounce lantern (audio)
1
: a usually portable light with a protective covering
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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