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

Last November, a collection of business, academic and political luminaries made a pilgrimage to a wood-paneled conference room at Harvard University.

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That launched an international career for the Kesslers, who moved to Rome, toured the world and performed with luminaries, DPA said.

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“She will be remembered as being a fierce luminary in disability justice, a brilliant writer, editor and community organizer,” the post said.

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The many emails between the men are also sprinkled with casual references to other political luminaries—as well as burner phones.

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The pontiff released the list via video ahead of a planned meeting Saturday with luminaries from the world of cinema.

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Related Words

• celebrity 
• dignitary 
• notable 
• personage 
• superstar