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
Examples of lantern in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The streets are begrimed by factory smoke, fecund with horse dung and lit by lanterns.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Refresh Light Fixtures Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Instead, Oda suggests modern alternatives, like bamboo blinds for window treatments, paper lanterns, or light fixtures that mimic Washi paper.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
Back at her property, the yard between her two houses is mostly intact, including a Hachiya persimmon tree, which in December was heavy with fruit, comforting lanterns in the charred landscape, signaling season.
—Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lantern
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.
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Refresh Light Fixtures Whether a chandelier, a lantern, a porch light, sconce, pendant, or disco ball, Windex can make any glass light fixture sparkle.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Instead, Oda suggests modern alternatives, like bamboo blinds for window treatments, paper lanterns, or light fixtures that mimic Washi paper.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
Back at her property, the yard between her two houses is mostly intact, including a Hachiya persimmon tree, which in December was heavy with fruit, comforting lanterns in the charred landscape, signaling season.
—Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lantern
Cite this Entry
“Lantern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lantern. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
