luminary
luminaries
In scientific writing, Stephen J. Hawking is a luminary. People look up to this well-known scientist and author for his knowledge and insight.
Although luminary can mean an object or celestial body that gives off light, you'll often hear people talk about parties at which there were many luminaries in attendance. In this case, luminary means celebrity or well-known person in sports or politics, science or the arts. Think of them as being bright lights that make a party sparkle.
-
a celebrity who is an inspiration to others“he was host to a large gathering of luminaries”
-
synonyms:
guiding light, leading light, notability, notable
-
type of:
-
celebrity, famous person
a widely known person
-
celebrity, famous person
Vocabulary lists containing luminary
Bahamian American actor, director, and producer, Sydney Poitier broke the American motion-picture color barrier winning the first best actor Academy Award as an African American. He rejected parts based on racial stereotypes and redefined roles for African Americans with movies like A Patch of Blue, In the Heat of the Night, and Lilies of the Field. During the civil rights movement, Poitier helped break down social barriers between Blacks and whites with landmark roles in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) and To Sir, with Love (1967). Poitier received prestigious awards throughout his career such as the Golden Globe, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Grammy. Lauded widely as a luminary of film, this tribute list from quotes, interviews, and autobiographical notes capture Poitier's values, conscience, and integrity.
Biographer Frank Brady chronicles the meteoric rise and astounding fall of chess prodigy Bobby Fischer.
In this non-fiction book, Walter Lord provides a detailed account of the Titanic's fatal collision with an iceberg and the behavior of the passengers and crew in the aftermath.
Look up luminary for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.
