noun

lantern

LAN-tern/ˈlæntərn/

A portable lamp with a protective transparent enclosure.

The camper carries a glowing lantern along the dark path.

A camper's hand carries a sturdy portable metal-and-glass lantern by its top handle along a dim woodland path, warm light glows within its protective glass case and illuminates nearby ferns.

Etymology

The root meaning “to shine” produced a word for a torch or beacon fire. A lantern preserves that light-giving function in a portable lamp with a protective case.

In context

Technology Connections20:05

although it gets a lot brighter it also gets yellower. This is unique to this lantern, neither white gas one does this.

Pressure lamps: gaslighting on the go

More examples

Several lanterns lit the porch.
She hung the lantern.
The lantern protected its flame.

Forms

lantern · lanterns

Similar words

lamp: The broader lighting device.
torch: In US English, usually an exposed flame on a handle.