luster

¹ American  

[luhs-ter] / ˈlʌs tər /

especially British, lustre

noun

1. the state or quality of shining by reflecting light; glitter, sparkle, sheen, or gloss.

   the luster of satin.

   Antonyms:

   dullness

2. a substance, as a coating or polish, used to impart sheen or gloss.

3. radiant or luminous brightness; brilliance; radiance.

4. radiance of beauty, excellence, merit, distinction, or glory.

   achievements that add luster to one's name.

5. a shining object, especially one used for decoration, as a cut-glass pendant or ornament.

6. a chandelier, candleholder, etc., ornamented with cut-glass pendants.

7. any natural or synthetic fabric with a lustrous finish.

8. Also called metallic luster.  an iridescent metallic film produced on the surface of a ceramic glaze.

9. Mineralogy. the nature of a mineral surface with respect to its reflective qualities.

   greasy luster.

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verb (used with object)

1. to finish (fur, cloth, pottery, etc.) with a luster or gloss.

verb (used without object)

1. to be or become lustrous.

luster ² American  

[luhs-ter] / ˈlʌs tər /

noun

1. a person who lusts.

   a luster after power.

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luster ³ American  

[luhs-ter] / ˈlʌs tər /

especially British, lustre

noun

1. lustrum.

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luster Scientific  

/ lŭs′tər /

1. The shine from the surface of a mineral. Luster is important in describing different kinds of minerals. It is usually characterized as metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull.

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Synonym Usage

See polish.

Other Word Forms

• lusterless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of luster¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Middle French lustre, from Italian lustro, derivative of lustrare “to polish, purify,” from Latin lūstrāre “to purify ceremonially,” derivative of lūstrum lustrum

Origin of luster²

First recorded in 1585–95; lust + -er ¹

Origin of luster³

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English lustre, from Latin lūstrum lustrum

Explanation

Something with luster has a certain kind of sheen or shininess, like the way a new pair of shoes looks right before you step into a pile of mud. Luster is a noun that commonly refers to a soft sheen, glossy surface, or brightness. It comes from the Italian word lustro, which means "to make bright." Daniel Defoe, author of the novel Robinson Crusoe, once famously said, “The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

luster

Now as more Americans rethink the value of college, the idea of bypassing a degree is gaining luster among a new set of founders.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

She reapplied their gold luster, which burned off in the fire.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

There’s a new hot memory company on the block, and the shares of more established players are losing some luster.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

"She separated the three crystal types, which themselves differed in transparency, symmetry, and luster, from all the pebbles. This ability to recognize crystals despite their differences amazed us," García-Ruiz said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

It was strange how lost of luster everything was without Ifemelu; even the taste of his favorite beer was different.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• brightness
• brilliance
• glitter
• glow
• sheen
• shimmer
• sparkle