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.
The splendors of autumn are waiting to be discovered here—both the small details and the sweeping views. Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025 Costumes by Lisy Christl and ace production design by Jonathan Houlding add to the visual splendor. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025 Britain’s first luxury sleeper train has finally arrived, offering travelers a front-row seat to the splendor of the idyllic English countryside. Ann Shields, AFAR Media, 26 Aug. 2025 Constructed from 1933 to 1934 to house Nashville's main post office, it was restored to its original splendor through a public/private partnership campaign led by Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. and his family. Jennifer Brett, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 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

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