illustrious

adjective

il·​lus·​tri·​ous i-ˈlə-strē-əs 

1

: notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions : eminent

2

archaic

a

: shining brightly with light

b

: clearly evident

illustriously adverb

illustriousness noun

Did you know?

Today’s spotlight is on illustrious, from the Latin adjective illustris, meaning "shining brightly with light." Illustris itself was probably a back-formation of the Latin verb illustrare, a word with varied meanings, among them "to light up," "to make clear," and "to embellish." (Our word illustrate also comes from illustrare, of course; its original meaning was "to enlighten intellectually, culturally, or spiritually.") At one time, illustrious could be used synonymously with its immediate Latin forbear to describe things that glow brightly, but that meaning is now considered archaic. The word today is almost exclusively used to describe something—such as a career or achievement—that stands out figuratively, shining brilliantly in the mind's eye.

Synonyms

• distinguished
• outstanding
• prestigious
• famous
• eminent
• notable

Choose the Right Synonym for illustrious

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of illustrious in a Sentence

He has had an illustrious military career.

an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize

Recent Examples on the Web

The historian-college professor explores Blume’s middle-class, 1950s childhood in New Jersey, to adulthood when her passion for reading turned into an illustrious writing career. —Charna Flam, People.com, 11 July 2025

The two legends only played in the same group 38 times during their illustrious careers. —Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

Founded in 886 by King Alfred the Great, The Royal Mint strives to marry its illustrious history with innovations in sustainable sourcing of precious metals. —Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

In the meantime, our illustrious president, with all the resources of the world’s greatest and strongest nation at his disposal, couldn’t think of anything better to contribute this weekend other than to fly off to his New Jersey club to play golf. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin illustris, probably from illustrare

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for illustrious

• industrious

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Kids Definition

illustrious

adjective

il·​lus·​tri·​ous il-ˈəs-trē-əs 

: very outstanding : eminent

illustriously adverb