luminary

[ loo-muh-ner-ee ]

noun

, plural lu·mi·nar·ies.

1. a celestial body, such as the sun or moon.
2. a body, object, etc., that gives light.
3. a person who has attained eminence in their field or is an inspiration to others:

   The book was written by one of the luminaries in the field of medical science.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by light.

luminary

/ ˈluːmɪnərɪ /

noun

1. a person who enlightens or influences others
2. a famous person
3. literary.
   something, such as the sun or moon, that gives off light

adjective

1. of, involving, or characterized by light or enlightenment

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminary¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English luminarye, from Medieval Latin lūmināria “lamp”; luminaria

Word History and Origins

Origin of luminary¹

C15: via Old French, from Latin lūmināre lamp, from lūmen light

Example Sentences

This week, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and many other luminaries at the Democratic National Convention proved just how important, and effective, that simple rule can be.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a lesson other Bauhaus luminaries grasped sooner, but the dream of being a free artist is hard to relinquish.

From Los Angeles Times

Democratic candidates have looked to entertainment luminaries for reinforcement for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Oklahoma lawmakers and luminaries have been full of anti-LGBTQ+ hate for decades, a good portion of it driven by religion.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump has a tight hold on his party, and right-wing luminaries came to support their presumptive presidential nominee.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• celebrity
• dignitary
• notable
• personage
• superstar