leading light

American  

[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

noun

1. an important or influential person.

   a leading light of the community.

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leading light British  

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. an important or outstanding person, esp in an organization or cause

2. nautical a less common term for range light

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leading light Idioms  

1. An important or influential individual, as in Jim was a leading light in his community. This expression, alluding to moral guidance, dates from about 1870, but terms such as a shining light have been used for an outstanding person since the first half of the 1500s.

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Etymology

Origin of leading light

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Twitch is the leading live streaming platform in the world for gamers.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2022

Twitch, the leading live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day lives, attracts over two million broadcasters every month.

From The Verge • Jul. 16, 2018

"The confidence shown by one of the world's leading live entertainment promoters to relocate two of its biggest music festivals from the centre of the capital is a ringing endorsement of out legacy plans."

From The Guardian • Jan. 22, 2013

Live Nation is a leading live event and venue management company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans.

From Time Magazine Archive

About Live Nation Live Nation is a leading live event and venue management company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans.

From Time Magazine Archive