ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lantern

n. · adj.
US //ˈɫæntɝn// UK //lˈɑːntən// lantern
  1. 1 portable lamp (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a light that you can carry, usually with a glass or plastic case to protect the flame or bulb from wind.

    a portable light source consisting of a protective case of transparent or translucent material that shields a flame or electric bulb.

    Example

    We carried a lantern to find our way back to the tent in the dark.

    Example

    The campers relied on a battery-powered lantern to illuminate the interior of the cave during their evening exploration.
  2. 2 roof structure (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Architecture

    a small structure on top of a roof with windows to let light and air into a building.

    an architectural structure crowning a roof or dome, designed to admit light or provide ventilation to the space below.

    Example

    The old library had a beautiful glass lantern that let the sun shine on the desks.

    Example

    The cathedral's central dome is topped by an ornate stone lantern that serves as both a decorative element and a source of natural illumination for the nave.
  3. 3 stage lighting (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a professional light used in a theatre to shine on the stage.

    a metal-cased lighting unit, often equipped with a lens, used to provide specific illumination in theatrical productions.

    Example

    The technician adjusted the lantern to make sure the lead actor was in the light.

    Example

    The lighting designer specified several high-intensity lanterns to be mounted on the rig to create a dramatic silhouette effect during the final scene.
  4. 4 facial shape (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    used to describe a face that is long and thin with a strong, square jaw.

    describing a facial structure, particularly the jaw, that is long, thin, and prominently squarish.

    Example

    The old sailor had a lantern jaw and a very serious expression.

    Example

    The protagonist was described as having a lantern jaw, giving him a rugged and determined appearance that suited his role as a pioneer.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the phrase 'lantern jaw' or 'lantern-jawed'.
Origin

From Middle English lanterne (13th century), via Old French lanterne from Latin lanterna (“lantern”), itself a corruption of Ancient Greek λαμπτήρ (lamptḗr, “torch”) (see lamp, λάμπω (lámpō)) by influence of Latin lucerna (“lamp”). The spelling lanthorn was current during the 16th to 19th centuries and originates with a folk etymology associating the word with the use of horn as translucent cover. For the verb, compare French lanterner to hang at the lamppost. Displaced native Old English lēohtfæt (literally “light-container”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026