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
Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
National Signing Day has lost some of its luster in recent years, getting overshadowed by the transfer portal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
And the appeal of a four-year college degree loses its luster.
—Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 28 Nov. 2025
This can help preserve the luster and appearance of your fine china by not exposing it to the harsher chemicals found in heavier duty formulas.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luster
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Noun
However, Tomlin has certainly lost some of his luster in recent years.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
National Signing Day has lost some of its luster in recent years, getting overshadowed by the transfer portal.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
And the appeal of a four-year college degree loses its luster.
—Kaylah Jackson, NBC news, 28 Nov. 2025
This can help preserve the luster and appearance of your fine china by not exposing it to the harsher chemicals found in heavier duty formulas.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 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 5 Dec. 2025.
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