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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of lantern

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

Example Sentences

Dozens—perhaps hundreds—of blue-flamed lanterns hung from the squat ceiling.

From Literature

Giant red lanterns adorned the outdoor courtyard, and the guests inside treated themselves to food stalls akin to a Taiwanese night market.

From The Wall Street Journal

We were almost asleep when the door opened, and the light of a lantern danced into the room.

From Literature

All Indiana held its breath, and somebody raised a lantern aloft.

From Literature

Anna May feigned offense, then tipped up her chin and said with exaggerated loftiness, “And actually, I was one of just three lantern holders.”

From Literature

Related Words

• beacon
• flashlight
• kerosene lamp
• torch