Star: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used in everyday language to refer to luminous points in the night sky.

• The stars are bright tonight.
• She wished upon a shooting star.

This is a more formal term, often used in scientific contexts, referring to any natural object outside of Earth's atmosphere.

• The moon is a fascinating celestial body.
• Astronomers study various celestial bodies such as planets, stars, and asteroids.

This term is similar to 'celestial body' but is used more in literary or poetic contexts to describe objects in the sky, including those with a sense of wonder or reverence.

• She gazed up at the myriad heavenly bodies.
• The poet wrote about the beauty of the heavenly bodies.

This term is used in the context of astronomy to refer to a recognizable pattern of stars in the night sky that is not one of the official constellations.

• The Summer Triangle is a well-known asterism.
• The Big Dipper is an asterism, not a constellation.

Use 'star' when talking about someone who is famous, especially in entertainment like movies, music, or sports.

• She is the star of the latest blockbuster movie.
• He became a star after winning the talent show.

A 'celebrity' is someone who is well-known to the public, often across different media platforms like television and social media. It has a broader scope than 'star'.

• The charity event was attended by many celebrities.
• He enjoys the life of a celebrity, with all the attention and perks.

An 'icon' is someone who is a symbol of a particular field or cultural movement and is admired for their influence or legacy. It has a sense of long-lasting impact.

• She is a fashion icon appreciated by millions around the world.
• His music made him an icon in the 1980s rock scene.

A 'superstar' refers to someone who has reached the highest level of fame and success, often used for individuals who have an exceptionally large following.

• The young athlete is already a superstar in the sports world.
• The concert was headlined by a global superstar.

This is similar to the first 'star' but also used informally or metaphorically for anyone who is outstanding in their field or activity.

• He is the star player on the team
• She starred as the lead in the school play

This word implies standing out positively in a particular area or activity, often in a way that is noticeable and admirable.

• She really shines in creative writing
• His talent shines through in every performance

This is used when someone performs extremely well at something, often to a level that is noticeably better than average.

• He excels in mathematics
• She excelled in her role as a project manager

This word is appropriate for situations where someone or something has control or power over others, often in a competitive context. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

• The team dominated their opponents in the championship game
• She tends to dominate conversations