variants
or lustre
1
: a glow of reflected light : sheen
specifically
: the appearance of the surface of a mineral dependent upon its reflecting qualities
the luster of polished metal
2
a
: a glow of light from within : luminosity
the luster of the stars
b
: an inner beauty : radiance
3
: a superficial (see superficial sense 2a) attractiveness or appearance of excellence
scandals have diminished his luster
4
a
: a glass pendant (see pendant sense 1a) used especially to ornament a candlestick or chandelier
b
: a decorative object (such as a chandelier) hung with glass pendants
5
chiefly British
: a fabric with cotton warp and a filling of wool, mohair, or alpaca
6
variants
or lustre
lustered or lustred; lustering or lustring
ˈlə-st(ə-)riŋ 
: to have luster : gleam
1
: to give luster or distinction to
2
: to coat or treat with a substance that imparts luster
Examples of luster in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the Hope diamond is famous for its brilliant luster
on a clear night at sea the stars seem to take on a magical luster
Verb
her pearl necklace lustered softly in the candlelight of the restaurant
Recent Examples on the Web
Alain Sherter, CBS News, 1 May 2025
By 1890, however, with medical literature reporting more than 400 cases of acute toxicity brought on by the drug, cocaine had lost its luster.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
The second represents its percentage of nickel, which adds luster and improves coercion resistance.
—Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025
The fact is, Sundance’s luster was already diminishing — being untenably expensive can do that.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luster
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.
Noun
The reboot comes at a delicate time for the restaurant giant, which is under pressure to boost sales and revive a brand that has lost its luster with some customers.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 1 May 2025
By 1890, however, with medical literature reporting more than 400 cases of acute toxicity brought on by the drug, cocaine had lost its luster.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
The second represents its percentage of nickel, which adds luster and improves coercion resistance.
—Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025
The fact is, Sundance’s luster was already diminishing — being untenably expensive can do that.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luster
Cite this Entry
“Luster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luster. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share