Lustrous
adjective /ˈlʌs.trəs/ — Shining with a soft, reflected glow
Definition
Having a soft, glowing reflected light — shining in a way that is rich and deep rather than harsh and glittering. The quality of silk, healthy hair, well-cared-for wood, certain stones.
Beyond the definition
The shine that comes from within. Lustrous things glow rather than glare — the light they give back has depth to it, quality rather than quantity.
Origin & history
From Latin 'lustrum' (a period of five years; a purification ceremony) — from 'lustrare' (to illuminate, to purify). Related to 'illustrious', 'luster'. Light as a quality of the thing, not just a reflection from outside.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The pearls were lustrous in a way that cultured pearls rarely achieve — the depth of years of genuine formation.
Her hair was lustrous — not merely shiny but with the kind of depth that synthetic products simulate but never quite reach.
There is a lustrous quality to certain stones in certain light — tourmaline in afternoon sun, labradorite in candlelight.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Lustrous” when the meaning fits your context: Having a soft, glowing reflected light — shining in a way that is rich and deep rather than harsh and glittering. The quality of silk, healthy hair, well-cared-for wood, certain stones.
Synonyms
Antonyms
dull, matte, dim
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Wet Paint Surface
A close-up of thick, wet paint on a palette shows a soft, glowing light reflecting off its rich, deep surface.
The soft, glowing reflection from the wet paint represents the lustrous quality—a deep, rich shine that is distinctive from harsh glittering reflections.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Lustrous" mean?
Lustrous is adjective meaning: Shining with a soft, reflected glow. Having a soft, glowing reflected light — shining in a way that is rich and deep rather than harsh and glittering. The quality of silk, healthy hair, well-cared-for wood, certain stones.
Where does the word "Lustrous" come from?
From Latin 'lustrum' (a period of five years; a purification ceremony) — from 'lustrare' (to illuminate, to purify). Related to 'illustrious', 'luster'. Light as a quality of the thing, not just a reflection from outside.