lantern

[ lan-tern ]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lantern¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lantern¹

C13: from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr lamp, from lampein to shine

Example Sentences

"The costs have gone up exponentially. Things like the energy costs really impact you if you're building scenery all day, or if you're running theatre lanterns all night."

From BBC

Bright red lanterns currently swing over empty Beijing streets as most workers have left for their hometowns during the biggest holiday of the year.

From BBC

Fireworks and sky lanterns were used, with the latter causing the fire around 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 17 that burned down the home, the lawsuit alleges.

From Los Angeles Times

Fireworks, music, fairs, lanterns, dragon and lion dancing filled streets across Asia as celebrations that typically last about 15 days began.

From BBC

A decorated tree and sleigh greeted guests at the entrance to the country house which had holly, ivy, mistletoe and lanterns hung throughout.

From BBC

Related Words

• beacon
• flashlight
• kerosene lamp
• torch