1
: an object of extreme devotion
a movie idol
also : ideal sense 2
2
: a representation or symbol of an object of worship
broadly : a false god
3
a
: a likeness of something
b
obsolete : pretender, impostor
4
: a false conception : fallacy
5
: a form or appearance visible but without substance
an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idolP. B. Shelley

Examples of idol in a Sentence

an actor who is the idol of millions a movie star whose portrayal of a comic book superhero in a blockbuster series has made him the idol of millions
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.
Chalino Sánchez is the only idol who will remain forever. Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025 With animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks, dynamic choreography combined with powerful vocals makes Rumi, Mira, and Zoey feel like real K-Pop idols, even though the audience knows they are animated. Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Much like her idol Marlene Dietrich, Novak walked away from the business under her own steam, and has largely kept to herself, marrying an equine veterinarian and busying herself raising horses and painting. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025 Being a K-pop idol comes with enduring long and exhausting practices, filming sessions and performances, but members also found new sources of strength within each other. Sara Smith, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idol

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French idle, from Late Latin idolum, from Greek eidōlon image, idol; akin to Greek eidos form — more at idyll

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of idol was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

idol

noun
1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on idol

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