plural stars
1
: any one of the objects in space that are made of burning gas and that look like points of light in the night sky
They gazed up at the stars.
There are billions of stars in the universe.
bright star clusters
a distant star system
The stars are out [=are not hidden by clouds] tonight.
I'm glad we didn't use the tent. It's so much nicer to sleep outside under the stars.
2
: a star or planet especially in a certain position that is believed in astrology to influence people's lives
I was born under a lucky star. [=I was born lucky]
—usually plural(Brit) Did you read your stars [=horoscope] today?
I guess romance just isn't in the stars for me right now. [=romance isn't going to happen for me right now]
You can thank your lucky stars [=you are lucky] that no one was hurt.
3
a
: something (such as a symbol or medal) with five or more points that represents or suggests a star
The teacher gives out gold stars [=gold stickers in the shape of stars] for good behavior.
I put stars [=asterisks] next to the most important items in the list.
b
: a symbol that is shaped like a star and that is used as part of a rating system to show how good something is
The restaurant was awarded four stars for excellence.
Critics give the movie three stars.
4
a
: the most important and well-known performer in a movie, play, etc.
She's the star of the show.
b
: an extremely famous and successful performer or athlete
His performance in that film made him a star.
She always dreamed of being a movie star.
baseball/football/track stars
a rock/pop star
He's made a name for himself as the hair stylist to the stars. [=for famous people]
—often used before another nounstar athletes
the star system [=the practice of using famous actors in movies, etc., in order to attract a bigger audience]
The producers are looking for someone with star quality. [=the talent, looks, etc., needed to become a star]
c
: a person who is very successful, important, etc.
There were many talented students in the class, but she was clearly the star. [=the most talented one]
He is a rising star [=a person who is becoming more popular and successful] in the world of politics.
—often used before another nouna star student
our star trumpeter
She was the star witness at the trial.
The pandas are the zoo's star attraction. [=they are the most popular attraction at the zoo]
5
British, informal
: someone who is good or helpful
"Thank you. You're a star!"
stars; starred; starring
1
a
: to play the most important role in a movie, play, etc.
—usually + in
an actor who has starred in many films
The couple will star together in a new play.
She had the starring role [=she was the star] in her last three films.
b
: to have (someone) as the most important performer
The new television series stars a famous movie actress.
a concert starring some of the biggest names in the business
2
: to perform extremely well
He starred in both baseball and football when he was in college.
She starred for/with the basketball team last year.
3
: to mark (something) with a star or other symbol
This restaurant is starred in the guidebook.
Cite this Entry
“Star.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/star. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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