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

Unfolding on a set of distressed wooden planks and hanging lanterns, “Our Town” gleams like a restored antique in this Broadway revival.

From Los Angeles Times

The men who wrote the note in 1892 had been at the lighthouse to install a different type of lantern and glazing at the top of the tower.

From BBC

From jack-o'-lanterns glowing on porches to costumes ranging from the whimsical to the gory, Halloween is a time of playful scares, childhood memories and, of course, candy.

From Salon

Sleepily I followed him to a picnic bench glowing amber in the lantern light.

From Los Angeles Times

Told to move under a canopy of lanterns, I’m warned that any of those around me could be a participant, and I try to blend in, browsing for a place to eat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beacon
• flashlight
• kerosene lamp
• torch