noun
paper-covered lamp; paper lantern
A traditional Japanese lamp with a paper shade, often used decoratively during festivals or at entrances.
玄関にぼんぼりを飾った。
I decorated the entrance with a paper-covered lamp.
お祭りでぼんぼりが灯されている。
Paper lanterns are lit at the festival.
提灯 is a collapsible paper lantern, often handheld or hung, while ぼんぼり is a stationary lamp with a paper shade, typically used as decoration.
The origin is uncertain; the word may be related to the soft, glowing appearance of the lamp. The kanji 雪洞 literally means 'snow cave' and is a gikun reading applied to this word.