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star
/stɑːr/
a celestial body visible as a point of light
The star twinkled brightly in the night sky.
The star was shining clearly and visibly.
formal
a celestial body that is a luminous sphere of plasma held together by its own gravity
The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system.
The Sun is the star that our planets orbit around.
Stars are the primary source of light and energy in the universe.
informal
a person who is very famous or successful in a particular field
She became a star in the music industry after her hit single.
She gained fame and recognition as a top musician.
This usage is often associated with celebrities, athletes, or influential figures.
informal
a symbol used in typography or design, often resembling a five-pointed shape
He clicked the star icon to save the webpage.
He used the star symbol to bookmark the page.
This is commonly used in digital interfaces and design.
Collocations
star playera key or outstanding member of a teamstar performersomeone who excels in their rolestar-studdedfilled with famous or talented people
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'star' depends heavily on context. In astronomy, it refers to celestial bodies, while in entertainment, it refers to famous people.
Gold Rule
Avoid Ambiguity
When using 'star' in writing, ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to a celestial body or a famous person.
Word Origin
Old English 'steorra,' from Proto-Germanic 'sternǭ,' related to Old Norse 'stjarna' and Old High German 'sterno.'
Usage Notes
The word 'star' can refer to both celestial bodies and famous individuals. Context usually clarifies the intended meaning.
Word Breakdown
star
a bright celestial body or a famous person
rootEnglish Dictionary