cynosure

American  

[sahy-nuh-shoor, sin-uh-] / ˈsaɪ nəˌʃʊər, ˈsɪn ə- /

noun

1. something that strongly attracts attention by its brilliance, interest, etc..

   the cynosure of all eyes.

2. something serving for guidance or direction.

   Gandhi's life remains a cynosure for all of us.

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cynosure British  

/ ˈsɪnəˌzjʊə, -ʃʊə /

noun

1. a person or thing that attracts notice, esp because of its brilliance or beauty

2. something that serves as a guide

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Other Word Forms

• cynosural
  adjective

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.

Example Sentences

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

From these beginnings, the Voice grew into a cynosure of the counterculture.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2024

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

Aesthetically, a blue Patagonia vest worn by activist DeRay Mckesson was its fashion cynosure.

From Washington Post • May 23, 2018

Flam—I drop the mister when I speak of him as a principle—is our polar star—our cynosure in politics—our Pisgah, which gives us a view of the Promised Land.

From Quodlibet by Kennedy, John Pendleton

Related Words

• figure
• hero
• luminary
• personage
• personality
• someone
• star
• superstar