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

The Core Club promised to bring together luminaries in business, arts, technology and culture in hopes of sparking some greater collective alchemy.

From The Wall Street Journal

In China, the deaths of senior officials and other public luminaries provide opportunities for Pekingologists to find proof of life—both politically and literally.

From The Wall Street Journal

The selloff left many of the market’s luminaries—those so well-known that they go simply as “Pomp” and “Novo” and “Mooch”—searching for answers.

From The Wall Street Journal

She describes their sparkling years of early adulthood, when their lives intersected with an array of luminaries that included Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.

From The Wall Street Journal

As news of her death spread on Friday, fellow performers and other luminaries were quick to react.

From Barron's

Related Words

• celebrity
• dignitary
• notable
• personage
• superstar