Other Word Forms
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hyperlustrousnessnoun
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lustrousnessnoun
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nonlustrousnessnoun
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semilustrousnessnoun
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sublustrousnessnoun
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hyperlustrousadjective
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nonlustrousadjective
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semilustrousadjective
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sublustrousadjective
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unlustrousadjective
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hyperlustrouslyadverb
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lustrouslyadverb
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nonlustrouslyadverb
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semilustrouslyadverb
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sublustrouslyadverb
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unlustrouslyadverb
Etymology
Origin of lustrous
First recorded in 1595–1605; lust(e)r 1 + -ous
Explanation
In shampoo commercials, the hair you see swinging is lustrous. It is brilliant, in the shiny sense. Lustrous has its root in the Latin lustrare which means "to illuminate or shine light over." When something is lustrous, it reflects light in a glossy and shiny way. A bright smile and a glowing reputation are both lustrous. If someone has a long and successful work history, you might say their career is illustrious, meaning it has been lustrous for a long time.
Vocabulary lists containing lustrous
The Odyssey
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"
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The Book Thief
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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.
Self-proclaimed as “the most comprehensive Etruscan exhibition ever staged outside of Italy,” the exhibition showcases about 175 items, from intricate metalwork to lustrous pottery to a remnant of Europe’s oldest extant book.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026
Her lips are a neutral dusty mauve, her bass guitar a lustrous red.
From Salon ● Feb. 19, 2026
Investors may not find the rules so lustrous.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 9, 2025
Nicknamed Mickey Fab and known for his lustrous blonde hair, he has been on Celebrity First Dates, and has described himself as the "life partner" of former West Midlands Mayor Sir Andy Street.
From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2025
At the far end is a thick grate through which lustrous, clear sea wind washes.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
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.
