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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.

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.
luster 3 American  
[luhs-ter] / ˈlʌs tər /
especially British, lustre

noun

  1. lustrum.

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.

Related Words

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Winter Olympics proved to be another sensation with streaming viewers, but now that they’re over, Peacock has lost much of its luster.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

But that hasn’t dented the independent power producer’s stock, which zoomed toward its highest level in nearly six weeks on Tuesday, regaining some of its past luster.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

The cost of losing some of that luster: potentially higher borrowing costs, less capacity to absorb a financial shock, and less ability to create one with sanctions, Singh adds.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

“In other words, let’s bring some luster back to the badge!” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Who gave this bright light luster unto thee; Admir’d ador’d for ever, be that Majesty.’’

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.