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

David Wiseman, a leading light in the Invictus movement and former serviceman, tells PEOPLE that Harry’s importance to the games cannot be underestimated. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Yet for many years now, fans have complained that the 82-game season is too long, as have such leading lights as LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr. — Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

In it, Rocío, played by Rocío Molina, a leading light of the international flamenco vanguard, returns to her Ebro Delta home to attend the funeral of her mother, a bastion of traditional flamenco. — John Hopewell, Variety, 18 June 2026

Iliman Ndiaye is one of the squad’s leading lights but is likely to attract interest from top clubs this summer. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 May 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)