# luminous

/ˈɫumənəs/ (US) · /lˈuːmɪnəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/luminous
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

shining in the dark or giving off a soft, bright light. You use this to describe things that glow or look very clear and glowing.

For teachers: emitting or reflecting light; glowing or shining. Often used to describe objects that are visible in the dark or have a radiant, clear quality.

## Examples

- The watch has luminous hands so you can see the time at night.
- The deep-sea fish used luminous organs to attract prey in the pitch-black water.
- The artist was famous for her luminous landscapes, which seemed to capture the exact moment the sun broke through the morning mist.

## Usage notes

- Often used both literally for light-emitting objects and figuratively to describe skin, eyes, or prose.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.