noun
Uncommon
lantern
LAN-tuhn
Lantern (noun) means a portable case with a light inside, made of glass or another see-through material to protect the flame or bulb. Example: “They lit a lantern to guide their way through the dark cave.”
noun
1
A portable case with a light inside, made of glass or another see-through material to protect the flame or bulb.
"They lit a lantern to guide their way through the dark cave."
"Paper lanterns floated down the river during the festival."
How to use lantern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA container that holds and protects a light source so you can carry it or hang it up.
Common pairings
light a lantern
paper lantern
lantern festival
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like lantern.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- lanterns
- Third person singular
- lanterns
- Past tense
- lanterned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They lit a _____ to guide their way through the dark cave.
Etymology
From Old French lanterne, from Latin lanterna, itself altered from Greek lampter, "torch."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “lantern” mean?
The word “lantern” means a portable case with a light inside, made of glass or another see-through material to protect the flame or bulb. In plain terms, a container that holds and protects a light source so you can carry it or hang it up.
How do you pronounce “lantern”?
“Lantern” is pronounced LAN-tuhn (/ˈlæ̝ntɚn/ in IPA).
How do you use “lantern” in a sentence?
Here is “lantern” used in a sentence: “They lit a lantern to guide their way through the dark cave.”
What part of speech is “lantern”?
“Lantern” is a noun.
Where does the word “lantern” come from?
The word “lantern” comes from Latin. From Old French lanterne, from Latin lanterna, itself altered from Greek lampter, "torch.".
Is “lantern” a common word?
“Lantern” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a lantern and a lamp?
A lantern is a portable case, typically made of glass or another see-through material, designed to protect a flame or bulb inside it, while a lamp is a broader term for any light-emitting device that does not necessarily include this protective casing. Lanterns are especially associated with outdoor or portable use, such as camping.
What is the difference between a lantern and a torch?
A lantern encloses its light source in a protective case and is typically set down or hung, whereas a torch (or flashlight) is a handheld device designed to be pointed and carried. Lanterns tend to illuminate an area around them, while torches direct light at something specific.
What materials are lanterns traditionally made from?
Lanterns are traditionally made with glass or another see-through material surrounding the light source, which protects the flame or bulb from wind and weather while still letting light shine through.
