lustrous

adjective

lus·​trous ˈlə-strəs 

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 follow

—Russell Grenfell

lustrously adverb

lustrousness noun

Synonyms

• luminous
• dazzling
• shining
• glowing
• shiny
• bright
• radiant
• gleaming
• brilliant
• shimmering

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 material is handmade from a 70-30 blend of the finest Mongolian cashmere and lustrous Italian silk. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2025

The lustrous golden oil these fish were packed in was also delicious, having been infused with the same savory flavor tasters detected in the anchovies themselves. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025

Sateen is known for having a polished appearance because of its lustrous sheen and wrinkle-resistant material. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025

The Japanese Silk Crewneck Long Sleeve Shirt offers a lustrous 100% silk construction in sophisticated hues like Burgundy and Parchment. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1