illustrious

[ ih-luhs-tree-uhs ]
/ ɪˈlʌs tri əs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR illustrious ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader.
glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements.
Obsolete. luminous; bright.

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Origin of illustrious

1560–70; <Latin illustri(s) bright, clear, famous (equivalent to illustr(āre) to brighten (see il-1, luster1) + -is adj. suffix) + -ous

OTHER WORDS FROM illustrious

Words nearby illustrious

illustrated, illustration, illustrational, illustrative, illustrator, illustrious, illuvial, illuviate, illuviation, illuvium, ill will
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to illustrious

noble, renowned, splendid, remarkable, outstanding, exalted, famed, eminent, well-known, distinguished, glorious, lofty, esteemed, big league, brilliant, celebrated, great, heavy, monster, name

Example sentences from the Web for illustrious

British Dictionary definitions for illustrious

illustrious
/ (ɪˈlʌstrɪəs) /

adjective

of great renown; famous and distinguished
glorious or greatillustrious deeds
obsolete shining

Derived forms of illustrious

illustriously, adverbillustriousness, noun

Word Origin for illustrious

C16: from Latin illustris bright, distinguished, famous, from illustrāre to make light; see illustrate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012