lodestar

[ lohd-stahr ]

noun

1. a star that shows the way.
2. Polaris.
3. something that serves as a guide or on which the attention is fixed.

lodestar

/ ˈləʊdˌstɑː /

noun

1. a star, esp the North Star, used in navigation or astronomy as a point of reference
2. something that serves as a guide or model

lodestar

/ lōd′stär′ /

1. A star, especially Polaris, that is used as a point of reference.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestar¹

First recorded in 1325–75, lodestar is from Middle English loode sterre. See lode, star

Word History and Origins

Origin of lodestar¹

C14: literally, guiding star. See lode

Example Sentences

“In these cases, we want to make sure that their lodestar are student and faculty rights, rather than who is exerting the most pressure.”

From Los Angeles Times

The move he’s making with the new special is away from a lodestar: simplicity.

From New York Times

And other iterations of the Caped Crusader became equally strong lodestars.

From New York Times

It's why ending abortion rights is their lodestar, even as it's incredibly unpopular.

From Salon

There is a word in the Nguni languages of Southern Africa that was, I think, George's lodestar.

From BBC

Related Words

• design
• ideal
• original
• pattern
• prototype
• symbol
• type