giant star
Astronomical term for a star of large radius and luminosity, contrasted with 矮星 (dwarf star).
See also: 矮星 (わいせい)
Betelgeuse is one of the red giant stars.
great person; giant; superstar; big-shot
Figurative use for a person of outstanding achievement or influence in a field, like a 'towering figure'.
He is called a giant of Japanese literature.
That film director is a Hollywood superstar.
He is known as a giant of the film industry.
A new giant has emerged in the music world.
巨匠 specifically praises a master of an art or craft, whereas 巨星 more broadly honors anyone of outstanding influence, often used when someone passes away.
偉人 emphasizes historical greatness or virtue, while 巨星 is often used specifically to describe a leading star in entertainment, sports, or a particular field.
巨星 emphasizes the sheer greatness or towering stature of a figure (often used in 巨星墜つ for a great person's death), while 明星 focuses on brilliance and standing out.
Compound of 巨 (きょ, 'huge') and 星 (せい, 'star'). The figurative sense is a metaphorical extension of the astronomical meaning.