cynosure
Americannoun
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something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc..
the cynosure of all eyes.
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something serving for guidance or direction.
Gandhi's life remains a cynosure for all of us.
noun
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a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty
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something that serves as a guide
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cynosure
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin Cynosūra, from Greek Kynósoura the constellation Ursa Minor (Little Dipper), equivalent to kynós “dog's” (genitive of kýōn ) + ourá “tail”; see origin at hound 1 ( def. ), ass 2 ( def. )
Explanation
A cynosure is the main attraction. A figure skater on the ice is the cynosure, or focal point, of a stadium as she triple-axels through the air. All eyes are on her with admiration, hoping that she'll land it. Cynosure, pronounced sy-na-shoor, comes from the Greek word kynosoura, or "dog's tail." In Latin Cynosura refers to the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the North Star. Unlike other stars, the North Star is a fixed point, used by sailors to orient themselves for centuries. Like a bride who attracts the attention of everyone at a wedding as she comes down the aisle, the North Star is the cynosure for travelers lost in the forest without a map.
Vocabulary lists containing cynosure
National Spelling Bee '14: Prelims Round 2
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Walden
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The Blithedale Romance
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Jolyon is a central character in “The Forsytes,” Soames’ inner conflict is Galsworthy’s cynosure: He’s a man who prizes acquisition and possession to the extent that he cannot love.
From Salon ● Mar. 28, 2026
The cynosure of Cypress Avenue considers Bee's Famous Barbershop to be part confessional, part comedy lounge.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 17, 2020
The German capital isn’t worried about losing its standing as a cynosure of European art.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 11, 2020
A stretch of zinc bar with a charred wood front is the cynosure that faces groups of comfortable modern furniture, much of it by Knoll and easily moved to suit customers.
From New York Times ● Apr. 23, 2019
Perceiving that it was inadvisable to stand still, since they immediately became the cynosure of curious, and even impertinent, eyes, Harry marched resolutely onward, holding the girl tightly by the arm.
From A Duel by Marsh, Richard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
