leading light

[lee-ding]

noun

1. an important or influential person.

   a leading light of the community.

leading light

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

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

2. nautical a less common term for range light

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading light¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Redford's passing caused an outpouring of grief from the US filmmaking community -- many of whose leading lights got their start at the indie movie festival he created, including Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh.

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"These two people were part of the operational chain but were far from the leading lights of it."

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Vardy was Leicester's leading light and the influential figure they turned to, and could rely on, in times of need.

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How big is the threat posed to Rory McIlroy's quest for the career Grand Slam by the leading lights of the LIV Golf League?

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Introducing a legal right to miscarriage bereavement leave would be "a leading light in a world which seems to be taking a backward step in women's rights," she added.

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