jack-o'-lantern - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

jack-o'-lantern

|jack/o'/lan/tern|

🇺🇸

/ˈdʒæk.oʊˌlæntərn/

🇬🇧

/ˈdʒæk.əʊˌlæntən/

carved pumpkin lantern

Etymology

Etymology Information

'jack-o'-lantern' originates from the term 'Jack of the lantern', referring to a night watchman who carried a lantern.

Historical Evolution

'Jack of the lantern' transformed into 'jack-o'-lantern' in the 19th century, eventually becoming associated with Halloween.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to a night watchman, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a carved pumpkin lantern.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a carved pumpkin, typically with a face, illuminated from within by a candle or light.

Every Halloween, we carve a jack-o'-lantern to place on our porch.

Synonyms

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/31 11:35