idyll

noun

ˈī-dᵊl How to pronounce idyll (audio)
 British usually  ˈi-(ˌ)dil
variants or less commonly idyl
1
a
: a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment
b
: a narrative poem (such as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic, or tragic theme
2
a
: a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll
b
: a romantic interlude

Examples of idyll in a Sentence

her year as a vineyard worker in the south of France was not the idyll that she had expected it to be
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The park is a tiny idyll full of captivating panoramas, peaceful bird-watching, and stunning views. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025 Rather than the literal pressure-cooker environment of Masterchef or the countryside idyll of the Great British Bake Off, Gastronauts takes joy in messing around, bringing a serious dedication to the outrageously silly challenges. Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2025 The island as idyll pops up in The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse, and on Peter Pan’s Neverland. Emma Sloley august 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025 In this idyll forest, Komljen contraposes urban restlessness with natural respite, where Branko is able to literally fuse into the natural world of flora and fauna. Sonya Vseliubska, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idyll

Word History

Etymology

Latin idyllium, from Greek eidyllion, from diminutive of eidos form; akin to Greek idein to see — more at wit

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of idyll was in 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idyll. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

idyll

noun
variants also idyl
1
: a simple poetic or prose work that describes peaceful country life
2
: a scene or event one might write an idyll about

More from Merriam-Webster on idyll

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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