The rs2736100 polymorphism in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene has been implicated in lung cancer risk in multiple populations, but the existing evidence lacks statistical power to draw a convincing conclusion. Therefore, the present study was devised to derive a more precise estimation of the association between rs2736100 and lung cancer risk. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for papers concerning lung cancer risk in relation to rs2736100. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were appropriately calculated using the fixed or random effects model. Meta-analysis of 20 independent studies involving 39,715 cancer cases and 61,462 control subjects showed statistical evidence for an association between rs2736100 and increased risk of lung cancer. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity demonstrated a significant association among both Asian and Caucasian populations. We additionally found an increased risk of non-small cell lung cancer and lung adenocarcinoma strongly associated with rs2736100. These data provide further evidence supporting a role for genetic susceptibility of TERT rs2736100 in the development of lung cancer.