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

The bright pink dress was made from a satin-like fabric with a smooth, slightly lustrous finish. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 1 July 2025

The Columbia boys’ hair was so lustrous and well nourished. —Hilton Als, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

Olive oil was also used to help bring a lustrous shine to Roberta’s hair in the run-up to the wedding. —Laura Tortora, Vogue, 22 May 2025

Large but docile eastern indigo snakes rule the forest floor, though their rosy cheeks and lustrous bodies are rarely seen. —Elise Bennett, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1