Definitions

leading light

[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

NOUN

inspirational celebrity

Synonyms

WEAK

choice spirit leader luminary master spirit one in a million sage shining light star superstar

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But for now, Nebius is the leading light.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

But after settling in Manhattan in 1918, she quickly became a leading light in American modernism—and fell in love with skyscrapers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

That’s underscored by Bapcor signaling it has lost market share in its Trade business, which was previously the leading light among its operations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

Colleagues of Birmingham Royal Ballet's former chief executive Caroline Miller have paid tribute following her death, describing her as a "leading light" who displayed "unbridled enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty".

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2024

And Boyle was a leading light in establishing the scientific method in England.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin