luminary

American  

[loo-muh-ner-ee] / ˈlu məˌnɛr i /

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.

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adjective

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

luminary British  

/ 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

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adjective

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

Etymology

Origin of luminary

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

Example Sentences

Kent’s jet-black sea is indistinguishable from the cosmos, and his white whale glows like some luminary body within it.

From The Wall Street Journal

David imagines Silas mentoring him, introducing him to literary luminaries and advancing his career.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mention “Muscle Shoals” and for many the phrase evokes an otherwise obscure Alabama town where memorable soul-era R&B records were born, by such luminaries as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and the Staple Singers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gordon-Levitt said the group is not limited to Hollywood luminaries and is open to all creators and the skilled workers around them, including podcasters, digital content creators and newsletter writers.

From Los Angeles Times

Tech luminaries past and present have sent their children to the exclusive private school, founded back in 1893.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• celebrity
• dignitary
• notable
• personage
• superstar