jack-o'-lantern

[ jak-uh-lan-tern ]

noun

1. a hollowed pumpkin with openings cut to represent human eyes, nose, and mouth and in which a candle or other light may be placed, traditionally made for display at Halloween.
2. a commercially made lantern resembling this.
3. any phenomenon of light, as a corona discharge or an ignis fatuus.
4. a poisonous luminescent orange fungus, Omphalotus olearius, often found in clusters at the base of hardwood tree stumps.

jack-o'-lantern

noun

1. a lantern made from a hollowed pumpkin, which has holes cut in it to represent a human face
2. a will-o'-the-wisp or similar phenomenon

Word History and Origins

Origin of jack-o'-lantern¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

In an effort to expand the reach of Jack’s smile and placate the community, painters created a jack-o-lantern face on both sides of the tank, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Do look into alternatives to wax candles when lighting your jack-o-lantern, such as glow sticks or battery-operated candles.

From Los Angeles Times

Jack, voiced by the great Brian Henson, is an awkward stick figure with, as expected, a jack-o-lantern for a head who was brought to existence thanks to the evil Princess Mombi's Powder of Life.

From Salon

Walmart, Target and Amazon all kicked off holiday discounts in October, when jack-o-lantern pails and ghoulish masks were still on shelves.

From Washington Post

With Halloween just days away, it's time to grab a knife and carve a jack-o-lantern.

From Salon

Related Words

• fruit
• squash