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

Verb her pearl necklace lustered softly in the candlelight of the restaurant
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The only worthwhile event amid all the skills challenges is the 3-point contest, and that has lost its luster because every single NBA game is a 3-point contest. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2024 Mix edible luster dust with powdered sugar to tint the coconut on the birds' nest toppings and give your dessert a shimmer. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024 The Golden State has lost its luster, according to the naysayers. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 This time Nick Mosby walks alone, leaving it for the voters of his native Baltimore to decide whether the Mosby name has lost its luster. Emily Opilo, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2024 For a Midas touch, finish the baked cookies with a touch of gold luster dust. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2024 China then threatened to withhold COVID-19 vaccines from the country, and Bolsonaro had to relent. FRIEND WITH BENEFITS Since 2014, Latin America has lost its economic luster. Shannon K. O’Neil, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 None of the authors or participants in the Libyan disaster have lost professional or political esteem or luster. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 Some characters turn personalities on a dime, and others grow more complex, but the movie ends up trying too hard and loses that early fun luster. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024

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

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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