An organic electroluminescent element comprising a dimeric stryryl compound represented by general formula (I) as the luminescent material, wherein D, D', E, E', F, F', G, G' and Q are each as defined in the specification. The dimeric styryl compound used is one prepared by bonding two molecules of a compound having a good luminescence efficiency and a desirable luminescence wavelength to each other via a divalent group which breaks a conjugated system without impairing the abilities of the compound to thereby increase the molecular weight (to dimerize) and improve the properties as thin film. Therefore this element is widely applicable as various display materials.