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

But this is Turkey, not the Premier League — and playing for one of the Super Lig’s leading lights is very different to the physical burden of leading the line for David Moyes’ Everton. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

With a career spanning more than 60 years, Parton has been one of country music’s leading lights, one of the genre’s most revered and prolific songwriters. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026

Benjamin William Lattimore, one of the leading lights of Miami’s vaunted TK Records in the 1970s, fit that billing. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

The leading lights from the actor’s signature credit are sharing their memories with fans. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leading light

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Kids Definition

leading light

noun

: a prominent and influential member (as of a field of study or political movement)