Difference Between
versus

Lamp vs. Lantern: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Lamp is a device for giving light, often powered by electricity. Lantern is a portable light source, typically enclosed to protect the flame or bulb, often used outdoors.
Lamp vs. Lantern

Key Differences

A lamp is typically a stationary light source used indoors, often powered by electricity. Lanterns, in contrast, are portable and designed for outdoor use, shielding the light source from wind and rain.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Lamps are often used for ambient or task lighting in homes and offices. Lanterns, however, are more associated with camping, emergencies, or outdoor events, providing a mobile light source.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
The design of a lamp is usually more focused on aesthetics and functionality for indoor spaces. Lanterns prioritize durability and weather resistance, with features for easy carrying or hanging.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Lamps can come in various styles, including table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lamps, suited for different interior designs. Lanterns are more uniform in design, emphasizing practicality for outdoor environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Lamps often serve as a part of home decor, complementing the interior design. Lanterns, while functional, can also have a decorative aspect, especially in gardens or during festivals.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

XPower Source

Often electricity
Can be candles, batteries, or fuel
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Usage Environment

Primarily indoors
Primarily outdoors
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Portability

Generally stationary
Designed to be portable
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Functionality

Ambient or task lighting
Mobile light source for varying conditions
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Design Focus

Aesthetics and interior design compatibility
Durability and protection against elements
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Lamp and Lantern Definitions

Lamp

Interior Decor
The vintage lamp adds a classic touch to the living room.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lantern

Decorative Outdoor Light
Lanterns were strung across the garden for the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lamp

Functional Light Fixture
The bedside lamp is ideal for nighttime reading.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lantern

Portable Outdoor Light
He carried a lantern while walking in the woods at night.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lamp

Electric Light Source
The lamp on her desk provides perfect lighting for reading.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Lantern

Emergency Lighting
During the power outage, the lantern was a lifesaver.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lamp

Fixed Illumination
The street lamps illuminate the road at night.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lantern

An often portable case with transparent or translucent sides for holding and protecting a light.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

Light Emitting Device
She turned on the lamp to brighten the room.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lantern

A decorative casing for a light, often of paper.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

An electric device having a socket for a light bulb, especially a free-standing piece of furniture.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

A light and its protective or decorative case.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A device that gives off ultraviolet, infrared, or other radiation, used for therapeutic purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

The room at the top of a lighthouse where the light is located.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A light bulb
A spotlight fitted with a metal-halide lamp.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(Obsolete) A lighthouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A vessel containing oil or alcohol burned through a wick.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

A structure built on top of a roof or dome with open or windowed walls to admit light and air.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A lantern or fixture that gives off light by burning gas, usually by means of a mantle.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

A case of translucent or transparent material made to protect a flame, or light, used to illuminate its surroundings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

(Archaic) A celestial body that gives off or reflects light.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(theatre) Especially, a metal casing with lens used to illuminate a stage (e.g. spotlight, floodlight).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A device that generates heat, light or other radiation. Especially an electric light bulb.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(architectural element) An open structure of light material set upon a roof, to give light and air to the interior.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A device containing oil, burnt through a wick for illumination; an oil lamp.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(architecture) A cage or open chamber of rich architecture, open below into the building or tower which it crowns.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A piece of furniture holding one or more electric light sockets.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(architecture) A smaller and secondary cupola crowning a larger one, for ornament, or to admit light.
The lantern of the cupola of the Capitol at Washington, or that of the Florence cathedral
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

To hit, clout, belt, wallop.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(engineering) A lantern pinion or trundle wheel.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

To hunt at night using a lamp; see lamping.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(steam engines) A kind of cage inserted in a stuffing box and surrounding a piston rod, to separate the packing into two parts and form a chamber between for the reception of steam, etc.; a lantern brass.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

To hang out or chill; to do nothing in particular.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(rail transport) A light formerly used as a signal by a railway guard or conductor at night.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A thin plate or lamina.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(metalworking) A perforated barrel to form a core upon.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A light-producing vessel, device, instrument or apparatus;
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(zoology) Aristotle's lantern
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the uses of a lamp.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

(transitive) To furnish with a lantern.
To lantern a lighthouse
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A device or mechanism for producing light by electricity, usually having a glass bulb or tube containing the light-emitting element. Most lamps belong to one of two categories, the Incandescent lamp (See under Incandescent) or the fluorescent lamp. However, see also arc lamp, below.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

Of a facial feature, large and squarish in shape as an old-fashioned lantern.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A device that emits radiant energy in the form of heat, infrared, or ultraviolet rays; as, a heat lamp.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

Something inclosing a light, and protecting it from wind, rain, etc.; - sometimes portable, as a closed vessel or case of horn, perforated tin, glass, oiled paper, or other material, having a lamp or candle within; sometimes fixed, as the glazed inclosure of a street light, or of a lighthouse light.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

An artificial source of visible illumination
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

An open structure of light material set upon a roof, to give light and air to the interior.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lamp

A piece of furniture holding one or more electric light bulbs
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

A lantern pinion or trundle wheel. See Lantern pinion (below).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

A kind of cage inserted in a stuffing box and surrounding a piston rod, to separate the packing into two parts and form a chamber between for the reception of steam, etc.; - called also lantern brass.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

A perforated barrel to form a core upon.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

See Aristotle's lantern.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

To furnish with a lantern; as, to lantern a lighthouse.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

Light in a transparent protective case
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Lantern

Enclosed Light Source
The old-fashioned lantern used a candle for light.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Lantern

Camping Accessory
They hung a lantern outside their tent.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a lantern?

A lantern is a portable light, often enclosed, used primarily outdoors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

What is a lamp?

A lamp is a light source, often electric, used mainly indoors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Do all lamps need electricity?

Most modern lamps use electricity, but there are exceptions like oil lamps.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are lamps safe to leave on overnight?

It depends on the lamp type; some are safe, but it's generally not advised.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can lamps be battery-powered?

While less common, some lamps can be battery-powered.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are lanterns used for indoor lighting?

Lanterns can be used indoors, especially for decorative or emergency purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are lamps considered furniture?

Lamps are often considered a part of home decor or furnishings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

How do you maintain a lantern?

Regular cleaning and checking the fuel or battery source is important.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are lanterns waterproof?

Many outdoor lanterns are designed to be waterproof or water-resistant.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can lanterns be electric?

Yes, many modern lanterns are electric, especially those used for camping.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are lamps recyclable?

Parts of lamps, like metal or glass, can often be recycled.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can lanterns be solar-powered?

Yes, there are solar-powered lanterns available.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Are lanterns culturally significant?

In many cultures, lanterns have symbolic meanings and are used in festivals.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Do lanterns come in different styles?

Lanterns vary in style, but the focus is more on function than design.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can lanterns be used for signaling?

Yes, lanterns are often used for signaling, especially in maritime contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Do lamps give off heat?

Some lamps, especially incandescent ones, can give off heat.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can lanterns be used as a heat source?

While not designed for heating, some lanterns can give off a small amount of heat.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

How do you clean a lamp?

It depends on the material, but usually dusting and occasional wiping.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Can lamps be a fire hazard?

Improper use of lamps, like covering them with cloth, can be a fire hazard.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Do lamps affect room ambiance?

Yes, lamps significantly contribute to the ambiance and mood of a room.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Pulley vs. SheavePulley vs. Sheave
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 4, 2024
A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.
Guilty vs. LiableGuilty vs. Liable
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 7, 2024
Being guilty implies responsibility for committing a crime or wrongdoing, while being liable denotes legal responsibility or obligation, often in a civil context.
Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm ProPycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 4, 2024
PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.
Hydroscopic vs. HygroscopicHydroscopic vs. Hygroscopic
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 14, 2024
Hydroscopic is a common misnomer, often incorrectly used in place of hygroscopic. Hygroscopic refers to substances that absorb moisture from the air.
Natural Rubber vs. Synthetic RubberNatural Rubber vs. Synthetic Rubber
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 8, 2024
Natural rubber, derived from the latex of rubber trees, offers elasticity and resistance to abrasion, while synthetic rubber, produced from petroleum byproducts, provides enhanced chemical and temperature resistance.
Inox vs. Stainless SteelInox vs. Stainless Steel
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 10, 2024
Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.
Polo Ralph Lauren vs. US Polo AssnPolo Ralph Lauren vs. US Polo Assn
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 21, 2024
Polo Ralph Lauren is a premium fashion brand known for luxury clothing, while US Polo Assn is the official brand of the United States Polo Association, focused on affordable casual wear.
Anglo Celtic vs. Anglo SaxonAnglo Celtic vs. Anglo Saxon
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 14, 2024
Anglo Celtic refers to cultures and peoples of British Isles origin with Celtic influences, while Anglo Saxon pertains to Germanic tribes who settled in England.
Gorilla Glass vs. Panda GlassGorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 5, 2024
Gorilla Glass is a highly durable, scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices, while Panda Glass is a similar protective glass known for its high transparency and toughness.
HAWB vs. MAWBHAWB vs. MAWB
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
HAWB (House Air Waybill) is issued by freight forwarders for individual shipments, while MAWB (Master Air Waybill) is issued by airlines for multiple shipments consolidated by those forwarders.
Cosmology vs. CosmogonyCosmology vs. Cosmogony
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
September 8, 2024
Cosmology studies the universe's structure, origin, and evolution, focusing on laws and theories, while cosmogony delves into specific myths, beliefs, and theories about the universe's creation.
Ivory vs. LinenIvory vs. Linen
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
March 6, 2024
Ivory refers to a shade of white with a slight yellowish or creamy hue, often associated with the material from elephant tusks, while linen is a textile made from flax fibers, known for its durability, coolness, and breathability.
Double Room vs. Twin RoomDouble Room vs. Twin Room
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
October 16, 2024
A double room features one large bed for two people, focusing on couples or close pairs, while a twin room has two separate single beds, catering to friends or colleagues.
Tatkal vs. Premium TatkalTatkal vs. Premium Tatkal
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 17, 2024
Tatkal is a scheme for last-minute train bookings in India with fixed quotas and prices, while Premium Tatkal offers dynamic pricing and fewer quotas for urgent travel.
Catholic Bible vs. NIV BibleCatholic Bible vs. NIV Bible
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 11, 2024
The Catholic Bible includes additional books in the Old Testament not found in the NIV Bible; the NIV is a modern English translation.
NM3 vs. M3NM3 vs. M3
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 19, 2024
NM3 measures gas volume under Normal conditions (0°C and 1.01325 bar), while M3 measures volume under the conditions at which it is measured, without standard adjustment.
Guideline vs. GuidanceGuideline vs. Guidance
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
July 6, 2024
"Guideline" refers to a set of rules or instructions designed to influence decisions and actions, while "guidance" is the act of providing advice or information to support decision-making, focusing more on the process than on specific rules.
Michael vs. MichealMichael vs. Micheal
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 31, 2024
"Michael" is a common male name, whereas "Micheal" is often a misspelling or a less common variant.
Verbal Communication vs. Nonverbal CommunicationVerbal Communication vs. Nonverbal Communication
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Verbal communication uses words to convey messages, while nonverbal communication involves gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
Single User Operating System vs. Multi User Operating SystemSingle User Operating System vs. Multi User Operating System
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 24, 2024
A Single User Operating System supports one user at a time, whereas a Multi User Operating System allows multiple users to operate simultaneously.
American Culture vs. Indian CultureAmerican Culture vs. Indian Culture
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 16, 2024
American culture is characterized by individualism and modernity, while Indian culture is noted for its strong family values and deep-rooted traditions.
Broadsheet vs. TabloidBroadsheet vs. Tabloid
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
Broadsheet is a large-format newspaper focusing on serious content; Tabloid is a smaller, sensational news-focused paper.
Cisco Network Essentials vs. Cisco Network AdvantageCisco Network Essentials vs. Cisco Network Advantage
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 22, 2024
Cisco Network Essentials offers basic networking features, while Cisco Network Advantage provides advanced capabilities and greater functionality.
Chinese vs. VietnameseChinese vs. Vietnamese
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 23, 2024
Chinese and Vietnamese are distinct languages from East Asia and Southeast Asia, respectively, each with unique cultural and linguistic characteristics.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons