splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər How to pronounce splendor (audio)
1
a
: great brightness or luster : brilliancy
2
: something splendid
the splendors of the past
splendorous adjective
or less commonly splendrous

Examples of splendor in a Sentence

The palace had lost much of its original splendor. the splendor of the ancient monument awed us into silence
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.
Here are some of the best places to see springtime splendor in Texas, along with some suggestions for making the most of your day trip. Cynthia Drake, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025 In Films Can Be Done, But Carefully Some films have managed to strike a balance between capturing the splendor of wild animals and ensuring their—and the crew’s—safety. Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 Abreu’s film is chock-full of visual splendor, with a seemingly simple style coalescing into a kaleidoscopic explosion of color. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 But one performance in the documentary about 1969’s Harlem Cultural Festival was singularly captivating: that of multiracial band Sly and the Family Stone in all its glorious, psychedelic soul-funk splendor. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English splendure, from Anglo-French splendur, from Latin splendor, from splendēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of splendor was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splendor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendor. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

splendor

noun
splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər How to pronounce splendor (audio)
1
: great brightness : brilliance
the splendor of the sun
2
: pomp sense 1, glory
the splendor of ancient Rome
3
: something splendid
the splendors of the past
splendorous adjective
also splendrous

More from Merriam-Webster on splendor

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