Lustrous: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

lustrous

 

[ ˈlʌstrəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing appearance

Having a shiny or glossy quality, especially in the context of appearance or surface.

Synonyms

gleaming, glossy, polished, radiant, shiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lustrous

used to describe something that has a natural, soft glow or shine, often used for hair, fabric, or eyes.

  • She has lustrous black hair
  • The artist used lustrous silk in her latest gown
shiny

a general term for something that reflects light. It can apply to metals, plastics, or even certain types of clothing.

  • He wore a shiny new jacket
  • The car's shiny hood reflected the clouds above
glossy

conveys a shiny, smooth surface, typically referring to photos, magazines, pages, or finished surfaces.

  • He admired the glossy cover of the new magazine
  • The tabletop had a glossy finish
radiant

describes something that emits light or energy, often used for the sun, lights, or people who appear exceptionally happy or beautiful.

  • She looked radiant in her wedding dress
  • The sun was radiant in the afternoon sky
gleaming

implies a clean, bright shine, often associated with surfaces that reflect light. Commonly used for teeth, metal, or floors.

  • The knight's armor was gleaming in the sunlight
  • Her smile revealed gleaming white teeth
polished

indicates a surface that has been made smooth and shiny, usually through deliberate effort like cleaning or buffing. Often used for objects like shoes, floors, or stones.

  • His shoes were always polished to perfection
  • She polished the silverware until it shone

Examples of usage

  • The lustrous pearl necklace caught the light beautifully.
  • Her lustrous hair shimmered in the sunlight.
  • The satin dress had a lustrous sheen to it.

Translations

Translations of the word "lustrous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lustrado

🇮🇳 चमकदार

🇩🇪 glänzend

🇮🇩 bersinar

🇺🇦 блискучий

🇵🇱 lśniący

🇯🇵 光沢のある

🇫🇷 lustré

🇪🇸 lustroso

🇹🇷 parlak

🇰🇷 광택 있는

🇸🇦 لامع

🇨🇿 lesklý

🇸🇰 lesklý

🇨🇳 光泽的

🇸🇮 sijajen

🇮🇸 glansandi

🇰🇿 жылтыр

🇬🇪 ბრწყინვალე

🇦🇿 parlaq

🇲🇽 brillante

Etymology

The word 'lustrous' originated from the Latin word 'lustrare', meaning 'to make bright or illuminate'. Over time, it evolved to describe objects or surfaces that have a shiny or glossy appearance, often associated with beauty and elegance.

See also: lust, luster, lustre.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,697, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.