leading light

noun

: a prominent and influential member (as of a community or church)

Examples of leading light in a Sentence

He is one of the leading lights of the labor movement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Parton has been one of country music’s leading lights, one of the genre’s most revered and prolific songwriters. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 Benjamin William Lattimore, one of the leading lights of Miami’s vaunted TK Records in the 1970s, fit that billing. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 The leading lights from the actor’s signature credit are sharing their memories with fans. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 David Wiseman, a leading light in the Invictus movement and former serviceman, tells PEOPLE that Harry’s importance to the games cannot be underestimated. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for leading light

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leading light was in 1707

Rhymes for leading light

See All Rhymes for leading light

Browse Nearby Words

leading lady
leading light
leading load
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Cite this Entry

“Leading light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leading%20light. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

leading light

noun
: a prominent and influential member (as of a field of study or political movement)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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