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

The image of James’s paper lantern, let go and floating up into the night sky like a second moon, augurs his eventual fleeing from his family. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

Bush dinners can also be arranged, set up under the branches of a tree, its branches strung with lanterns. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

On the evening of the full moon in the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar — usually November — thousands of lanterns are released across the city. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026

Visitors and locals light paper lanterns and send them aloft together, turning the night sky over northern Thailand into a slow-moving constellation of fire. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 2 June 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