noun
luster
LUHST
Luster (noun) means a gentle shine or sheen, especially on a surface like metal, hair, or pearls. Example: “The necklace had lost its luster after years in a drawer.”
noun
1
A gentle shine or sheen, especially on a surface like metal, hair, or pearls.
"The necklace had lost its luster after years in a drawer."
2
Glory, distinction, or prestige.
"Winning the award added new luster to her already impressive career."
verb
1
To shine or give a soft glow.
"The polished silverware lustered under the candlelight."
How to use luster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA soft shine or gleam, or figuratively, added glory or prestige.
UK vs US
Spelled "lustre" in British English, "luster" in American English.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
lose its luster
add luster to
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Word forms
- Plural
- lusters
- Third person singular
- lusters
- Past tense
- lustered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The necklace had lost its _____ after years in a drawer.
Etymology
From Middle French lustre, from Old Italian lustrare ("to brighten"), from Latin lustro ("to purify, to brighten").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for luster
See all rhymes for luster →Frequently asked questions
What does “luster” mean?
The word “luster” means a gentle shine or sheen, especially on a surface like metal, hair, or pearls. In plain terms, a soft shine or gleam, or figuratively, added glory or prestige.
How do you pronounce “luster”?
“Luster” is pronounced LUHST (/ˈlʌstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “luster” in a sentence?
Here is “luster” used in a sentence: “The necklace had lost its luster after years in a drawer.”
What is another word for “luster”?
Words with a similar meaning to “luster” include lustrate.
What part of speech is “luster”?
Depending on how it is used, “luster” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “luster” come from?
The word “luster” comes from Latin. From Middle French lustre, from Old Italian lustrare ("to brighten"), from Latin lustro ("to purify, to brighten").
How many meanings does “luster” have?
“Luster” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a gentle shine or sheen, especially on a surface like metal, hair, or pearls.
