splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər How to pronounce splendor (audio)
1
a
: great brightness or luster : brilliancy
2
: something splendid
the splendors of the past
splendorous adjective
or less commonly splendrous

Examples of splendor in a Sentence

The palace had lost much of its original splendor. the splendor of the ancient monument awed us into silence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Famed for their abundant natural beauty and marvelous vistas, the Beartooth Mountains offer a glimpse into the true splendor of both Wyoming and Montana at their best. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The movie is a quietly exuberant outburst of self-revelation, a coming-of-age tale full of passion and gratitude for the cultural and natural splendors of his home town. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 Here's how travelers can preserve the splendor for everyone. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025 And while historic cities abound all across Castile and Leon, few destinations can match the splendor of Burgos, a scenic settlement that offers the perfect blend of eye-catching architecture and upscale restaurants. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English splendure, from Anglo-French splendur, from Latin splendor, from splendēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of splendor was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splendor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendor. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

splendor

noun
splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər How to pronounce splendor (audio)
1
: great brightness : brilliance
the splendor of the sun
2
: pomp sense 1, glory
the splendor of ancient Rome
3
: something splendid
the splendors of the past
splendorous adjective
also splendrous

More from Merriam-Webster on splendor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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