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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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

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

For supporters, it is a long overdue mission to restore the capital's luster.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

An early idea to write about a men’s doubles partnership gone awry lost its luster after “Challengers,” Luca Guadagnino’s drama about a love triangle between tennis pros, came out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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 MarketWatch • 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

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

Related Words

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