lantern

Camper's night light

A lantern is a portable light source, traditionally consisting of a lamp or candle enclosed in a protective case with transparent panels.

The enclosure shields the flame from wind while allowing light to pass through.

Lanterns have largely been replaced by electric flashlights for practical use, but they persist in decorative contexts, camping equipment, and cultural celebrations like Chinese lantern festivals.

Jack-o'-lanterns are hollowed pumpkins carved with faces and lit from within, displayed at Halloween.

illumination

light

Visible electromagnetic radiation

  • glowSteady, soft light
  • flameBurning gas made visible
  • wickFuel-drawing cord

candle · brightness · radiance · flicker · luminous · gleam · shimmer · halo · ambient · candlelit

jack-o-lantern

pumpkin

Large orange autumn gourd

spooky · gourd · face · trick-or-treat · glowing · autumn · harvest · turnip · scary · eyes

camping

tent

Portable fabric shelter

backpacking · wilderness · hiking · stargazing · overnight · firewood · trail · expedition · hanging · battery-powered

festival

Diwali

Hindu festival of lights

parade · celebration · mooncake · release · floating

beacon

lighthouse

Coastal beacon tower

maritime · seafaring · watchtower · coastal · warning · nautical · shipwreck · flare · port · foghorn

decorative

paper

Pressed pulp for writing

  • silkFine woven insect fiber
  • glassTransparent solid from sand
  • hangingExecution by noose

patio · garden · wedding · ornamental · colorful · tassels · painted · fringed · accordion · globe

vintage

antique

Old valued collectible

patina · rustic · hurricane · railroad · miner · chimney · reservoir · mantle · paraffin · tin

architecture

cupola

Small rooftop dome

dome · glazed · dormer · tower · belvedere · windowed · daylight · atrium · rooftop · octagonal

Categories
Opposites
light source type

lanternflashlight

Portable electric lamp

torch · spotlight · headlamp · floodlight · laser

illumination vs. darkness

lanterndarkness

Total absence of light

shadow · blackout · obscurity · gloom · dimness

Phrases
Family

lanterns, jack-o'-lantern, lanternfish, lanternfly

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G