lustrous

adjective

lus·​trous ˈlə-strəs 

1

: reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle

a lustrous satin

the lustrous glow of an opal

2

: radiant in character or reputation : illustrious

set a lustrous example for others to follow

—Russell Grenfell

lustrously adverb

lustrousness noun

Synonyms

• luminous
• dazzling
• shining
• glowing
• shiny
• bright
• radiant
• gleaming
• brilliant
• shimmering

Choose the Right Synonym for lustrous

bright, brilliant, radiant, luminous, lustrous mean shining or glowing with light.

bright implies emitting or reflecting a high degree of light.

brilliant implies intense often sparkling brightness.

radiant stresses the emission or seeming emission of rays of light.

luminous implies emission of steady, suffused, glowing light by reflection or in surrounding darkness.

lustrous stresses an even, rich light from a surface that reflects brightly without glittering.

Examples of lustrous in a Sentence

the lustrous finish on the satin bedspread adds to the feeling of luxury

lustrous silver jewelry adorned her neck

Recent Examples on the Web

For the Fasano, Starck drew on the language of Brazilian midcentury modernism, combining clean lines with organic shapes and using rich natural materials—leather, wicker, lustrous wood—with a thread of craft and traditional technique. —Hannah Walhout, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025

The shoe was crafted in a lustrous satin which offered understated shine and a delicate softness to the look. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025

Luminous and lustrous, Luminous Blue celebrates indigo in its most expressive form—deep, bright blues that shimmer with energy and emotion. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 10 Oct. 2025

Aside from providing a chance to see Sherman and Howe’s lustrous images in an immaculate transfer, the disc reminds us what a truly great actress Lupino was. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1