1. People who are highly respected for their achievements or knowledge: This is the most common meaning of "luminaries." It often refers to people who are considered experts in their field or who have made significant contributions to society.
* Example: "The conference brought together luminaries from the fields of medicine and technology."
2. A source of light, especially a celestial body: This meaning is less common than the first but still valid.
* Example: "The night sky was ablaze with the brilliance of countless luminaries."
In both cases, "luminaries" implies brightness, brilliance, and illumination.