lodestar

Also load·star

[lohd-stahr]

noun

1. a star that shows the way.

2. Polaris.

3. something that serves as a guide or on which the attention is fixed.

lodestar

/ ˈləʊdˌstɑː /

noun

1. a star, esp the North Star, used in navigation or astronomy as a point of reference

2. something that serves as a guide or model

lodestar

1. A star, especially Polaris, that is used as a point of reference.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestar¹

First recorded in 1325–75, lodestar is from Middle English loode sterre. See lode, star

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestar¹

C14: literally, guiding star. See _lode

Example Sentences

Once a cultural lodestar, Ye now occupies a far more polarizing place: embraced by a loyal fringe, shunned by former collaborators and largely exiled from mainstream music and fashion.

From Los Angeles Times

Both books were critically acclaimed bestsellers, and established Gay as a literary lodestar.

From Los Angeles Times

Abby lost her lodestar — her father — to what she believes was a random act of extreme violence.

From Los Angeles Times

“In these cases, we want to make sure that their lodestar are student and faculty rights, rather than who is exerting the most pressure.”

From Los Angeles Times

The move he’s making with the new special is away from a lodestar: simplicity.

From New York Times

Related Words

• catalog 
• clue 
• directory 
• guidebook 
• handbook 
• key 
• manual