illustrious

adjective

il·​lus·​tri·​ous i-ˈlə-strē-əs 

1

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

an illustrious military leader

a company with an illustrious history

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 of illustrious

• 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

Bailey has an illustrious career in the theater. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2026

In 1980, the Nafsika building opened, hosting illustrious guests, including Nelson Mandela and Paul Newman. —Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

There will be speculation over whether this job will be the last of his illustrious career in football, as the 74-year-old becomes the oldest head coach in history to ever be relieved of their duties. —Frank Nunns Oconnell, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

Irv Lewin, who began as an on-air personality at WJOB in the early 1960s, had a far longer and illustrious local career at WJOB before his death from cancer in August 1995 on his 81st birthday. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

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