illustrious

adjective

il·​lus·​tri·​ous i-ˈlə-strē-əs 

1

: notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions : eminent

2

archaic

a

: shining brightly with light

b

: clearly evident

illustriously adverb

illustriousness noun

Did you know?

Today’s spotlight is on illustrious, from the Latin adjective illustris, meaning "shining brightly with light." Illustris itself was probably a back-formation of the Latin verb illustrare, a word with varied meanings, among them "to light up," "to make clear," and "to embellish." (Our word illustrate also comes from illustrare, of course; its original meaning was "to enlighten intellectually, culturally, or spiritually.") At one time, illustrious could be used synonymously with its immediate Latin forbear to describe things that glow brightly, but that meaning is now considered archaic. The word today is almost exclusively used to describe something—such as a career or achievement—that stands out figuratively, shining brilliantly in the mind's eye.

Synonyms

• astral
• bright
• distinguished
• eminent
• luminous
• noble
• notable
• noteworthy
• outstanding
• preeminent
• prestigious
• redoubtable
• signal
• star
• superior

Choose the Right Synonym for illustrious

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of illustrious in a Sentence

He has had an illustrious military career.

an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize

Recent Examples on the Web

The ensemble partners with illustrious jazz artists every year, and the 20-piece band’s upcoming collaborations at Bing Concert Hall feature vocalists Jamie Davis and Clairdee (Feb. 21, 2025) and trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon (May 23, 2025). —Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

When, in their mid-fifties, the brothers accepted appointments at the University of Berlin, Jacob spurned any honors and illustrious positions that would take him away from his desk. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

From the late 1960s into the early 1980s, Jones was a prolific performer and producer, releasing solo albums like Body Heat and The Dude while working with illustrious other artists. —Evan Minsker, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2024

What were once portraits of Black wealth and excellence at his illustrious parties have now become sites for scrutiny and criminal inspection. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustris, probably from illustrare

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

illustrious

adjective

il·​lus·​tri·​ous il-ˈəs-trē-əs 

: very outstanding : eminent

illustriously adverb