1. a traditional lantern made by placing a candle inside a paper bag weighted with sand, used especially during Christmas celebrations in the southwestern United States
Usage: regional; southwestern U.S.

Examples

• The neighborhood was lined with luminaria on Christmas Eve.
• We made dozens of luminaria to light the walkway to our house.
• The luminaria glowed softly in the winter evening.
• Traditional luminaria are made with brown paper bags and votive candles.
• The church organized a luminaria ceremony for the holiday service.
• Children helped their parents set up luminaria along the driveway.