Chinese lantern

American  

noun

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

---

Chinese lantern British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of Chinese lantern

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times

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

From New York Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

The Chinese lantern is an ancient cultural symbol associated with harvest, celebration, prosperity and brightness.

From Seattle Times