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 of lustrous

• 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

Hollidge and Eshaghpour were captivated by Frank’s use of straw, which becomes more or less lustrous depending on how hard it’s rubbed (bringing out the material’s natural silica) and can be dyed to achieve different hues. — Jill Singer, Curbed, 23 Sep. 2026

The shoes appeared to be made with a lustrous satin material. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Traditional fireclay construction incorporates natural clay, high-heat firing, and a thick, lustrous glaze. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 Sep. 2026

Shirai takes a striking visual approach with his film, shooting it in lustrous light and kind of sepia tones. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1