cynosure

Cynosure is a noun that refers to a person, thing, or place that attracts attention or serves as the focal point of admiration. In contemporary usage, the cynosure of an event or scene is what draws the eye and holds interest.

Etymology and historical usage: The word comes from Latin cynosura, from Greek kunosoura meaning “dog’s tail.” Historically, the term referred to a conspicuous object used as a guide for travelers in the northern sky—traditionally associated with a prominent star near the pole—thus the sense of a guiding focal point. Over time it broadened from a celestial reference to any central attractor in social or literary contexts.

In modern usage, cynosure denotes any subject that commands attention, such as a celebrity at a gala or a landmark that dominates a skyline. The term carries a sense of central importance and attractiveness without a value judgment, and it is commonly used in formal or descriptive writing, including encyclopedia-style and literary contexts.