lustrous

adjective

lus·​trous ˈlə-strəs How to pronounce lustrous (audio)
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 followRussell Grenfell
lustrously adverb
lustrousness noun
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for lustrous

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lustrous was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lustrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lustrous. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lustrous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!