luminary

[loo-muh-ner-ee]

noun

plural

luminaries 

1. a celestial body, such as the sun or moon.

2. a body, object, etc., that gives light.

3. a person who has attained eminence in their field or is an inspiration to others.

   The book was written by one of the luminaries in the field of medical science.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by light.

luminary

/ ˈluːmɪnərɪ /

noun

1. a person who enlightens or influences others

2. a famous person

3. literary,  something, such as the sun or moon, that gives off light

adjective

1. of, involving, or characterized by light or enlightenment

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminary¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English luminarye, from Medieval Latin lūmināria “lamp”; luminaria

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminary¹

C15: via Old French, from Latin lūmināre lamp, from lūmen light

Example Sentences

She later enrolled at the People’s College of Law, an unaccredited law school in downtown, where she rubbed shoulders with other Latino political luminaries such as Gil Cedillo and future L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

But despite earning the respect of luminaries in the jazz world, Pascoal rejected the label as a jazz musician, and said he owed as much to Brazilian music like chorinho and samba.

From BBC

Paramount on Friday sharply denounced a proposed boycott of Israeli film institutions by a group that calls itself Film Workers for Palestine and is supported by dozens of Hollywood luminaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, is among the staunchest proponents of this idea, as are right-wing luminaries such as Tucker Carlson.

From Salon

A luminary in his field, Tao conducts research that examines, in part, whether a group of numbers are random or structured.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• celebrity 
• dignitary 
• notable 
• personage 
• superstar