noun
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a star, esp the North Star, used in navigation or astronomy as a point of reference
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something that serves as a guide or model
Etymology
Origin of lodestar
First recorded in 1325–75, lodestar is from Middle English loode sterre. See lode, star
Explanation
When a sailor uses a star to navigate by, it's called a lodestar. The most commonly used lodestar is the bright and easily spotted Polaris, also known as the North Star. Navigating on a clear night at sea, you'll need a lodestar to guide you so you always know what direction you're going. Something that similarly guides you through life and its tricky decisions can also be called a lodestar. This might be a mentor or some other person who helps you figure out which direction to go, or a guiding principle. Lodestar, "star that leads the way," uses the "way or course" meaning of lode.
Vocabulary lists containing lodestar
From Ascension to Zenith: Astronomy and Stargazing Terms
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"Myth as Structure in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon" by A. Leslie Harris
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A blend of straight high rye bourbon and American single malt whiskey, Lodestar has won awards and makes a great gift.
From Salon • Dec. 17, 2024
District Court in Albuquerque, Lodestar owns the U.S. trademark for Route 66 beers in the country and the trademark for the highway’s logo-type “shield” that go on labels for beer.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2017
After three weeks of droning around Central America in his Lockheed Lodestar, Colonel Robert Rutherford McCormick, his wife, a maid, a secretary and two pilots last week headed for Hollywood.
From Time Magazine Archive
The other day an airline finally obtained a 14-passenger Lockheed Lodestar that had been in the hands of the Army.
From Time Magazine Archive
He's going to make your fortune on Thursday—good old Lodestar, some of 'em'll feel the draught, you bet.
From Aladdin of London or, Lodestar by Pemberton, Max, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
