I. ˈstär noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English sterre, from Old English steorra; akin to Old High German sterno star, Latin stella, Greek astēr, astron
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night
b. : a self-luminous gaseous spheroidal celestial body of great mass which produces energy by means of nuclear fusion reactions
2.
a.
(1) : a planet or a configuration of the planets that is held in astrology to influence one's destiny or fortune — usually used in plural
(2) : a waxing or waning fortune or fame
her star was rising
b. obsolete : destiny
3.
a. : a conventional figure with five or more points that represents a star ; especially : asterisk
b. : an often star-shaped ornament or medal worn as a badge of honor, authority, or rank or as the insignia of an order
c. : one of a group of conventional stars used to place something in a scale of value
4. : something resembling a star
was hit on the head and saw star s
5.
a. : the principal member of a theatrical or operatic company who usually plays the chief roles
b. : a highly publicized theatrical or motion-picture performer
c. : an outstandingly talented performer
a track star
d. : a person who is preeminent in a particular field
• star·less -ləs adjective
• star·like -ˌlīk adjective
II. verb
( starred ; star·ring )
Date: 1718
transitive verb
1. : to sprinkle or adorn with stars
2.
a. : to mark with a star as being preeminent
b. : to mark with an asterisk
3. : to feature in the most prominent or important role
the movie star s a famous stage personality
intransitive verb
1. : to play the most prominent or important role
2. : to perform outstandingly
III. adjective
Date: 1821
1. : of, relating to, or being a star
received star billing
2. : of outstanding excellence : preeminent
a star athlete