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

“We’re not going to hang a lantern on exactly what he’s feeling here,” Fuller said.

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Two Americans were standing there with a lantern.

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At night by lantern light, he read Churchill’s six-volume history of World War II.

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It’s beautifully decorated, with colored glasses, a striking mural, and umbrellas, lanterns, and floating bamboo lotus hanging from the ceiling.

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Then her eyes drifted to the lanterns dimly glowing above.

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Related Words

• beacon 
• flashlight 
• kerosene lamp www.thesaurus.com
• torch