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

Meet three Executive Challengers who proudly carry their lanterns and learn how their fundraising drives real impact. —Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

More to Explore How to Play Baseball in the 1920s Swing for the bleachers with these awesome lantern slides from the early years of professional baseball. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2025

With a high-efficiency solar panel, the lanterns take approximately six hours to charge and can glow for up to 16 hours when fully charred. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025

Comment In the semi-twilight of tech rehearsal at the cavernous Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center, Tina Landau is scrutinizing the movement of lanterns. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 18 Apr. 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