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illustrious

adjective
il·​lus·​tri·​ous | \ i-ˈlÉ™-strÄ“-É™s How to pronounce illustrious (audio) \

Definition of illustrious

1 : notably or brilliantly outstanding because of dignity or achievements or actions : eminent

2 archaic

a : shining brightly with light
b : clearly evident
Other Words from illustrious Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about illustrious

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Other Words from illustrious

illustriously adverb
illustriousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for illustrious

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide. famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known. a famous actress renowned implies more glory and acclamation. one of the most renowned figures in sports history celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print. the most celebrated beauty of her day noted suggests well-deserved public attention. the noted mystery writer notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil. a notorious gangster distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority. a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character. the country's most eminent writers illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person. illustrious war heroes

Did You Know?

Illustrious people seem to light up everything around them. The etymology of illustrious makes it clear that a shining glow (both literal and figurative) has long been associated with the word. "Illustrious" ultimately derives from the Latin verb lustrare, which means "to purify" or "to make bright," and which is related to the noun that gave us "luster." At one time, "illustrious" was used in the literal sense of "shining brightly with light," but that meaning is now considered archaic. The word is now almost exclusively used in its figurative application to describe something that stands out brilliantly, much like a bright star stands out in the sky.

Examples of illustrious in a Sentence

He has had an illustrious military career. an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize

Recent Examples on the Web

 The Blue Devils, who have five state titles since 2003, are coming off a year where the team went just 6-7, well below expectations for a program with such an illustrious history. — Christian Simmons, sun-sentinel.com, "Quite a handful: Five new Palm Beach County coaches aim to bring past high school football state champs back to glory," 22 Aug. 2019 Aside from his obvious chops within the front office, Guerin also was a heck of a player in his heyday, amassing 429 goals and 427 assists across an illustrious 18-year career, spending the most time with the New Jersey Devils. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, "Source: Wild intend to hire Bill Guerin as general manager," 21 Aug. 2019 April 15, 1989 remains a sacred date in Liverpool FC’s illustrious history. — Mike Berardino, Indianapolis Star, "30 years after 96 Liverpool FC fans died in Hillsborough tragedy, legacy remains strong," 17 July 2019 Given the program’s illustrious history, that’s saying a lot. — Helene Elliott, latimes.com, "Women’s World Cup: U.S. ignoring its critics as it focuses on title," 6 July 2019 This is a Spanish operetta Domingo had first appeared in 65 years earlier at 13 in his parents’ Mexico City company as the bullfighter, making the two roles bookends to an illustrious career . — Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: What sexual harassment allegations against Placido Domingo could mean for opera culture," 14 Aug. 2019 Koopman’s illustrious moonlighting career provides a sharp contrast to his day job as a technician for an alternative-energy company. — courant.com, "Community News For The Wethersfield Edition," 14 Aug. 2019 He was revered for his skill and enjoyed the single best season of his whole illustrious career as Barcelona completed a La Liga and European Cup double in the 1991/92 campaign. — SI.com, "Johan Cruyff: The Creator of the Barcelona Dream Team's All-Time Best XI," 9 Aug. 2019 Aside from her illustrious literary career, which spanned four decades and included 11 novels and multiple works of non-fiction, Morrison also taught creative writing and literature and multiple universities. — Brian Pascus, CBS News, "Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize winning author of "Beloved," has died at 88," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'illustrious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of illustrious

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for illustrious

Latin illustris, probably from illustrare

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More Definitions for illustrious

illustrious

adjective
How to pronounce illustrious (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of illustrious

formal : admired and respected very much because a lot was achieved

See the full definition for illustrious in the English Language Learners Dictionary

illustrious

adjective
il·​lus·​tri·​ous | \ i-ˈlÉ™-strÄ“-É™s How to pronounce illustrious (audio) \

Kids Definition of illustrious

: admired and respected because of greatness or achievement

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More from Merriam-Webster on illustrious

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with illustrious

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for illustrious

Spanish Central: Translation of illustrious

Nglish: Translation of illustrious for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of illustrious for Arabic Speakers

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