lustrous

adjective

lus·​trous ˈlə-strəs How to pronounce lustrous (audio)
1
: reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle
a lustrous satin
the lustrous glow of an opal
2
: radiant in character or reputation : illustrious
set a lustrous example for others to followRussell Grenfell
lustrously adverb
lustrousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for lustrous

bright, brilliant, radiant, luminous, lustrous mean shining or glowing with light.

bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Examples of lustrous in a Sentence

the lustrous finish on the satin bedspread adds to the feeling of luxury lustrous silver jewelry adorned her neck
Recent Examples on the Web The body and shell of McQueen’s SUV are finished in a lustrous coat of Citrus Green that’s broken up only by faux-wood striping running along the bottom of the vehicle and across the middle of its tailgate. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024 After a couple streak-free swipes and only a few minutes to dry, our tester noticed how lustrous and high-coverage her nails appeared, putting it above others she’s used before. Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Sateen pillowcases have a lustrous finish and feel silky to touch. Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2023 That is no more evident than in Vieri, a citrusy-woody-peppery expression crafted by perfumer Christelle Laprade, which in my experience casts its lustrous lemongrass aroma all day. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024 Jacqueline’s lustrous wardrobe featured covetable skirt suits with power shoulders. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 Mar. 2024 Since then, she’s released over a dozen albums throughout her lustrous career and earned four No. 1 singles on the Positive Country radio charts. Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 12 Feb. 2024 Say goodbye to dryness and hello to a shiny, lustrous coat with Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 Aug. 2023 Today’s pink is more lustrous, with deeper tones radiating from palest shell pink to deep magenta and orchid. Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lustrous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lustrous was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near lustrous

Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lustrous. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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