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

See Examples For:

leading light

This leads to a civil suit argued by the star of “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law” and presided over by the leading light of “Mike Tyson Mysteries.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

But for now, Nebius is the leading light.

From Barron's ● Mar. 31, 2026

But after settling in Manhattan in 1918, she quickly became a leading light in American modernism—and fell in love with skyscrapers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 8, 2025

He has also displayed truly remarkable leadership qualities for a 20-year-old, stepping into a dressing room full of superstars and promptly commanding respect as the leading light of a squad packed with elite talent.

From BBC ● May 5, 2024

And Boyle was a leading light in establishing the scientific method in England.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin