View synonyms for

leading light

[lee-ding]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an important or influential person.
a leading light of the community.

leading light

/ ˈ��ː��ɪŋ /

noun

an important or outstanding person, esp in an organization or cause
nautical a less common term for range light

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Word History and Origins

Origin of leading light¹

First recorded in 1870–75

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Idioms and Phrases

An important or influential individual, as in Jim was a leading light in his community. This expression, alluding to moral guidance, dates from about 1870, but terms such as a shining light have been used for an outstanding person since the first half of the 1500s.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"These two people were part of the operational chain but were far from the leading lights of it."

From

Vardy was Leicester's leading light and the influential figure they turned to, and could rely on, in times of need.

From

How big is the threat posed to Rory McIlroy's quest for the career Grand Slam by the leading lights of the LIV Golf League?

From

Introducing a legal right to miscarriage bereavement leave would be "a leading light in a world which seems to be taking a backward step in women's rights," she added.

From

Until a few weeks ago, the Left party looked doomed when one of its leading lights, Sahra Wagenknecht, went off and founded her own, more populist, party with eight other MPs.

From

leading lady leading man

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