Definition

1. Noun:
   • A circle of light around the sun or moon: A luminous ring or disk often seen surrounding celestial bodies, caused by the refraction or reflection of light by ice crystals in the atmosphere.
   • A ring of light depicted around the head of a saint or holy figure: A symbolic representation of holiness, glory, or enlightenment in religious art.
   • A toroidal shape or ring: Any circular or ring-like shape, such as a ring of ships or smoke.
   • An aura of glory, admiration, or distinction: A figurative sense describing the prestige or special quality surrounding a respected person or thing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • A beautiful halo surrounded the moon last night.
  • In the painting, the angel has a golden halo.
  • The fighter jets flew in a protective halo around the flagship.
  • The retired champion still basked in the halo of his past victories.

Advanced Usage

• "Halo effect": A cognitive bias where one's overall impression of a person, brand, or thing influences feelings and thoughts about its character or properties.
  • The CEO's popularity created a halo effect that boosted sales of all the company's products.

Variants and Related Words

• Haloed (adjective): Surrounded by or depicted with a halo.
  • The haloed figure in the fresco represents a saint.

Synonyms

• Corona: A circle of light, especially around the sun or moon.
• Aureole: A radiant light around the head or body, often used interchangeably with halo in art.
• Nimbus: A luminous cloud or a halo, particularly in artistic contexts.
• Gloriole: A small halo or circle of light.

Related Phrases

• To have a halo around one's head: To be perceived as saintly or morally perfect (often used ironically).
  • Ever since he volunteered at the shelter, people act like he has a halo around his head.

Noun

1. a circle of light around the sun or moon
2. a toroidal shape
   • a ring of ships in the harbor
   • a halo of smoke
3. an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint