lantern

American  

[lan-tern] / ˈlæn tərn /

noun

1. a transparent or translucent, usually portable, case for enclosing a light and protecting it from the wind, rain, etc.

2. the chamber at the top of a lighthouse, surrounding the light.

3. magic lantern.

4. Architecture.

   1. a tall, more or less open construction admitting light to an enclosed area below.

   2. any light, decorative structure of relatively small size crowning a roof, dome, etc.

   3. an open-sided structure on a roof to let out smoke or to assist ventilation.

5. a light, usually over the entrance to an elevator on each floor of a multistory building, that signals the approach of the elevator.

---

lantern British  

/ ˈlæntən /

noun

1. a light with a transparent or translucent protective case

2. a structure on top of a dome or roof having openings or windows to admit light or air

3. the upper part of a lighthouse that houses the light

4. photog short for magic lantern

---

Etymology

Origin of lantern

1250–1300; Middle English lanterne < Latin lanterna (< Etruscan ) < Greek lamptḗr lamp, light

Example Sentences

“We’re not going to hang a lantern on exactly what he’s feeling here,” Fuller said.

From Los Angeles Times

At night by lantern light, he read Churchill’s six-volume history of World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s beautifully decorated, with colored glasses, a striking mural, and umbrellas, lanterns, and floating bamboo lotus hanging from the ceiling.

From Salon

Stewart goes on to provide tutorials on how to make those boxed lanterns — along with an array of Halloween-centric treats and decorations: candied apples, homemade costumes, pumpkin-shaped iced cookies and carved pumpkins.

From Salon

The photonic lantern divides the incoming light into multiple channels based on how the light wavefront is shaped, much like separating the notes of a musical chord.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• beacon
• flashlight
• kerosene lamp
• torch