1. a person or thing that serves as a guide or inspiration
2. a star used to guide the course of a ship, especially the North Star
Usage: nautical; historical

Examples

• The Constitution serves as our lodestar in times of political uncertainty.
• Her grandmother was her lodestar, always providing wisdom and direction.
• The company’s commitment to innovation has been its lodestar for decades.
• Ancient sailors relied on the lodestar to navigate across the open seas.
• The North Star served as a lodestar for travelers heading north.
• His moral principles were his lodestar throughout his career.
• The teacher became a lodestar for students seeking academic guidance.