What is usually considered the brightest star in the constellation Orion?

The brightest star in the constellation Orion is Betelgeuse. This star is a red supergiant located approximately 700 light-years from Earth and is known for its distinctive reddish color. Betelgeuse is one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye and marks the shoulder of the Orion constellation, making it prominent in the night sky.

Rigel, while also very bright, is actually the brightest star in Orion, outshining Betelgeuse in terms of luminosity; however, it is not typically referred to as the brightest overall star of the constellation in casual observation, in contrast to Betelgeuse's more recognizable appearance and position. Antares, a star in the constellation Scorpius, is often confused with Betelgeuse due to color similarities but is not part of Orion. Sirius, although the brightest star visible from Earth, lies in the constellation Canis Major and is not within Orion.

Thus, the context of the question specifically pertains to stars that are part of Orion, with Betelgeuse being the most commonly cited despite Rigel's evident luminosity.