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

Requiring over 20 hours of fabrication time, this lustrous dial is produced via the application of numerous layers of vitreous enamel and multiple firings in a kiln measuring between 800 degrees and 900 degrees Celsius. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025

This uniform showcases a crips three-pane trim, with flowing stripes of lustrous purple and white that shimmer dynamically along both sides. —Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1