lantern

noun

lan·​tern ˈlan-tərn How to pronounce lantern (audio)
Synonyms of lanternnext
often attributive
1
: a usually portable protective case for a light with transparent openings compare chinese lantern
2
a
obsolete : lighthouse
b
: the chamber in a lighthouse containing the light
c
: a structure with glazed or open sides above an opening in a roof for light or ventilation
d
: a small tower or cupola or one stage of a cupola
3
: projector sense 2b

Examples of lantern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Early automotive lamps were less like searchlights and more like dim lanterns politely suggesting that there may or may not be a vehicle present. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Water Lantern Festival Enjoy music, food and activities at the Water Lantern Festival, and then personalize your lantern with a message or intention and connect with people around you. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 28 July 2026 The moon hangs over Kizingoni Beach, like a lantern above the Indian Ocean. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Reading on night trains has always been a refuge for travelers; in motion, a book could be shelter, could be comfort, a lantern, as Walter Benjamin said. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lantern

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lanterne, from Anglo-French, from Latin lanterna, from Greek lamptēr, from lampein to shine — more at lamp

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lantern was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing lantern

Browse Nearby Words

lanterloo
lantern
lantern clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lantern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lantern. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

lantern

noun
lan·​tern ˈlant-ərn How to pronounce lantern (audio)
1
: a usually portable light with a protective covering
2
: projector

More from Merriam-Webster on lantern

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lantern

Nglish: Translation of lantern for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lantern

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All