luster

1 of 3

noun (1)

lus·​ter ˈlə-stər How to pronounce luster (audio)
variants or lustre
1
: a glow of reflected light : sheen
specifically : the appearance of the surface of a mineral dependent upon its reflecting qualities
the luster of polished metal
2
a
: a glow of light from within : luminosity
the luster of the stars
b
: an inner beauty : radiance
3
: a superficial (see superficial sense 2a) attractiveness or appearance of excellence
scandals have diminished his luster
4
a
: a glass pendant (see pendant sense 1a) used especially to ornament a candlestick or chandelier
b
: a decorative object (such as a chandelier) hung with glass pendants
5
chiefly British : a fabric with cotton warp and a filling of wool, mohair, or alpaca
6
lusterless adjective

luster

2 of 3

verb

variants or lustre
lustered or lustred; lustering or lustring ˈlə-st(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce luster (audio)

intransitive verb

: to have luster : gleam

transitive verb

1
: to give luster or distinction to
2
: to coat or treat with a substance that imparts luster

luster

3 of 3

noun (2)

variants or lustre
: a period of five years : lustrum sense 2

Examples of luster in a Sentence

Noun (1) the Hope diamond is famous for its brilliant luster on a clear night at sea the stars seem to take on a magical luster Verb her pearl necklace lustered softly in the candlelight of the restaurant
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
If your stainless steel pots and pans still look dingy, Bar Keepers Friend Superior Cookware Cleanser & Polish works great to restore the luster of steel, says Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids in Denver. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 9 Jan. 2025 The coaching duel between Dan Quinn had some luster last month, but feels irrelevant this time around. Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 While many bemoan that American fashion shows lack the luster of yesteryear, Malena Belafonte is trying to rejigger the tried-and-true by blending runway looks, live music and circus-like spectacles. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024 Whereas Gunther’s title reign is clearly lacking the luster of his IC title reign, Priest is really stuck in an awkward position as a borderline top star who’s going to struggle to surpass those above him. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for luster 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle French lustre, from Old Italian lustro, from lustrare to brighten, from Latin, to purify ceremonially, from lustrum

Verb

verbal derivative of luster entry 1

Noun (2)

Middle English lustre, from Latin lustrum

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1528, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of luster was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near luster

Cite this Entry

“Luster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luster. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

luster

noun
lus·​ter
variants or lustre
ˈləs-tər
1
: a shine or sheen especially from reflected light : gloss
2
: sparkling brilliance
3
: glory entry 1 sense 1a, splendor
the luster of a famous name
lusterless
-tər-ləs
adjective
lustrous
-trəs
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on luster

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