leading light

[ lee-ding ]

noun

1. an important or influential person:

   a leading light of the community.

leading light

/ ˈliːdɪŋ /

noun

1. an important or outstanding person, esp in an organization or cause
2. nautical a less common term for range light

Word History and Origins

Origin of leading light¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Idioms and Phrases

An important or influential individual, as in Jim was a leading light in his community . This expression, alluding to moral guidance, dates from about 1870, but terms such as a shining light have been used for an outstanding person since the first half of the 1500s.

Example Sentences

His mother, Peggy, was a leading light of the London County Council and described by a local paper as the "uncrowned queen of Hampstead".

From BBC

"I think it is horrendous they are not taking more ownership of what is happening", says Baroness Martha Lane Fox, one of the leading lights in the UK tech scene.

From BBC

He has also displayed truly remarkable leadership qualities for a 20-year-old, stepping into a dressing room full of superstars and promptly commanding respect as the leading light of a squad packed with elite talent.

From BBC

Barring further misfortune of illness or injury, the sisters will be the leading lights in Britain's 4x400m team at Glasgow's World Indoor Championships.

From BBC

The leading lights of Birmingham's creative sector have expressed dismay at council cuts, warning the city faces cultural deprivation.

From BBC