leading light

noun

: a prominent and influential member (as of a community or church)

Examples of leading light in a Sentence

He is one of the leading lights of the labor movement.
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.
Féau Boiseries, 9 Rue Laugier, 75017 Paris A new exhibition by Louis Vuitton highlights the maison’s role in creating high-end travel accessories for the leading lights of the Jazz Age. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025 Moroney has actually been one of the leading lights of country for the last two or three years in the critical community as well as in, like, the SoCal cowgirl cosplay community. Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025 But few of the leading lights in rock’s greatest generation put out new music this year, nor did any of the Gen X juggernauts — Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers — that have dominated the proceedings for a while. Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 The Firm’s Transition Into High Luxury Jewelry Directed by Edouard’s descendants, Golay Fils & Stahl grew to become a leading light among jewelry lovers and hence the Geneva jewelry community. Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leading light

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading light was in 1707

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Cite this Entry

“Leading light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20light. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

leading light

noun
: a prominent and influential member (as of a field of study or political movement)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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