Chinese lantern

noun

1. a collapsible lantern of thin, colored paper, often used for decorative lighting.

Chinese lantern

noun

1. a collapsible lantern made of thin coloured paper

2. an Asian solanaceous plant, Physalis franchetii, cultivated for its attractive orange-red inflated calyx See also winter cherry

Word History and Origins

Origin of Chinese lantern¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Researchers have developed a polymer structure shaped like a "Chinese lantern" that can quickly change into more than a dozen curved, three-dimensional forms when it is compressed or twisted.

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White poinsettias donned with colorful berries, Chinese lantern pods and bobbles may be all you need for an eye-catching display.

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“Canada saw the balloon, and they were like, ‘Oh, look, one of those Chinese lanterns!’”

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At Taoranting Park, there was no sign of the usual bustling New Year food stalls despite its walkways being decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns.

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They used to be commonly called Chinese lanterns, as they go back to the Han Dynasty.

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