luminary

[ loo-muh-ner-ee ]

noun

, plural lu·mi·nar·ies.

1. a celestial body, such as the sun or moon.
2. a body, object, etc., that gives light.
3. a person who has attained eminence in their field or is an inspiration to others:

   The book was written by one of the luminaries in the field of medical science.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by light.

luminary

/ ˈluːmɪnərɪ /

noun

1. a person who enlightens or influences others
2. a famous person
3. literary.
   something, such as the sun or moon, that gives off light

adjective

1. of, involving, or characterized by light or enlightenment

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminary¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English luminarye, from Medieval Latin lūmināria “lamp”; luminaria

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminary¹

C15: via Old French, from Latin lūmināre lamp, from lūmen light

Example Sentences

Show up for a full-moon night ski, when the trails are lined with candle-lit luminary bags, or opt for the free learn-to-ski days, where volunteers teach lessons and local ski shops hand out courtesy rentals.

From Outside Online

Beall’s brother, a GOP senator from Maryland, along with Republican National Committee Chairman George Bush and other GOP luminaries, applied subtle pressure on the Justice Department to soft-pedal the investigation.

From Washington Post

We wondered that too, and we asked the luminaries in tech how they were passing the hours.

From Fortune

I have traveled the world, helped build a conference business, written two books, dived deep into topics far beyond commerce, and interviewed more CEOs and other luminaries than I can remember.

From Fortune

Facebook’s oversight board has legal and human rights luminaries who are able to review and overturn some of the platform’s decisions.

From MIT Technology Review

And despite drawing attention from the late musical luminary Lou Reed, Fran has only ever advertised by word of mouth.

From The Daily Beast

Mizrahi and Rowland will also serve as judges alongside fashion luminary and Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion, Fern Mallis.

From The Daily Beast

By the light of this subterranean luminary they discovered that they were standing at the foot of an ancient castle.

From Project Gutenberg

I understand that the legal luminary of that reform set in San Francisco has offered to take you into his office.

From Project Gutenberg

They lifted their eyes a moment from the ground, and cast a fretful look at the great, tranquil luminary.

From Project Gutenberg

Their reasoning is based upon the assertion, that those who live in darkness, and like it, need not be told about a luminary.

From Project Gutenberg

"Then I should say that for a luminary of science your light is very limited," returned Hermione.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• celebrity
• dignitary
• notable
• personage
• superstar