Language Research

star · noun C

/stɑr/Full view

star (PERFORMER)

A2 a famous singer, actor, sports person, etc.

Dictionary examples:

a rock/movie/basketball star

Kids wanting to be stars come to Hollywood.

Learner example:

I really liked it because lots of soccer stars were there and both teams played very well, but Brazil won, of course. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

star (OBJECT IN SPACE)

A2 a ball of burning gases that you see as a small point of light in the sky at night

Dictionary example:

Stars twinkled/shone in the night sky.

Learner example:

Well, it's really big, with two windows to see the garden [in the] morning, and the stars at night. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

star (SHAPE)

A2 a shape or symbol with four or more points

Dictionary examples:

star-shaped

How many stars does this restaurant have?

Learner example:

It has pink flowers and blue stars. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

two-star/three-star, etc.

C1 used to show how good a restaurant or hotel is

Dictionary example:

a five-star hotel

Learner example:

Also the facilities were great and people started building houses, and the small village became an attractive town with museums, universities, wonderful beaches, five-star hotels and other beautiful facilities. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

star (BEST)

C1 someone or something that is better than all the others in a group

Dictionary examples:

He is one of our star players.

She was the star of the English class.

Learner example:

He led Brazil to win two more World Cups, and in both of them he was the star player, the black prince. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

star · verb I or T

/stɑr/

star

B1 If a film, play, etc. stars someone, or if someone stars in a film, play, etc., they are the main actor in it.

Dictionary examples:

Ben Kingsley starred in the film "Gandhi."

The novel was turned into a film starring Meryl Streep.

The school play stars children in the seventh and eighth grades.

Learner example:

As we both love romantic comedy, we decided to see Notting Hill [together], which starred Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)