The present invention provides a white LED comprising: an ultraviolet emitting diode or a purple light emitting diode; and phosphors for emitting at least three visible lights including blue light, green light and red light; wherein an emission spectrum of the white LED has: a first luminescence peak in a blue light region having a wavelength of 440-460 nm; a second luminescence peak in a green light region having a wavelength of 510-530 nm; and a third luminescence peak in a red light region having a wavelength of 620-640 nm. Further, it is preferable that a half bandwidth of each of the luminescence peaks is 50 nm or less. As a result, there can be provided a white LED, backlight and liquid crystal display using the white LED exhibiting a high luminance and an excellent color reproducing property.