rock star

noun

plural rock stars
1
: a famous rock musician
From my standpoint, from '72 to '76, I was the ultimate rock star. I couldn't have been more of a rock star. Anything that had to do with being a rock 'n' roll singer was what I was going for.—David Bowie
He's what I always thought rock stars should be: sexy, dangerous, outrageous, and funny. And at least a little self-aware.—Doug Brod
2
: a highly accomplished and well-regarded person in a particular field
Locals came streaming across a muddy construction site on the Cooper River to catch a glimpse of the rock star of politics.—Howard Fineman
The Colchester Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Education are the rock stars of our town's elected government.—Jason Cohen
For the agency, whose mission is building soil health, Brandt [David Brandt, farmer] has emerged as a kind of rock star. He's a "step ahead of the game."—Tom Philpott
Pale-faced and bespectacled, the 43-year-old Chudzinski is an emerging rock star in NFL coaching circles.—David G Fleming
… the day of the celebrity chef is seriously upon us. Chefs have become the rock stars of their generation, and we all long to know them better.—Ruth Reichl

Examples of rock star in a Sentence

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.
For a quirkier experience, The Siam is a one-of-a-kind hotel created by Thai rock star and actor Krissada Sukosol Clapp and his family. — Tony Perrottet, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Modeling the latest designs from Miu Miu, Vivienne Westwood and more, celebrities, rock stars and It Girls of the past and present hit the runway sporting fresh styles from major labels and fashion houses. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 Michael McDonald has been reunited with his secret son 58 years after putting him up for adoption, a milestone that tends to happen to rock stars every so often. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026 Mick Jagger is and will always be one of the most recognizable and beloved rock stars in the world. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rock star

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rock star was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Rock star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rock%20star. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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