1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon
2
a
: widely recognized and well-established
an iconic brand name
b
: widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence
an iconic writer
a region's iconic wines
Did you know?
The original meaning of iconic was essentially "resembling an icon," but today it often describes what is so admired that it could be the subject of an icon. And with that use, iconic has become part of the language of advertising and publicity: companies and magazines and TV hosts encourage us to think of some consumer item or pop star or show as first-rate or immortal or flawless—absolutely "iconic"—when that person or thing is actually simply widely known and—they assert—distinctively excellent.
Examples of iconic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Whether users are exploring travel destinations or learning about iconic historical moments, Stories turns information consumption into a more intuitive, immersive experience.
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William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
The iconic host joined NBC in 1998 and quickly became a fan-favorite and beloved member of the team.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
That display, spread across the central block of the lower tier in the Palace end, had been the iconic image from celebrations with their dad Mark after Darren Ambrose’s incredible 40-yard goal in the League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2011.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2025
While Cena is definitely talented and has earned this status, no pro wrestler reaches the pinnacles of the business without worthy opponents and iconic feuds.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for iconic
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William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
The iconic host joined NBC in 1998 and quickly became a fan-favorite and beloved member of the team.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
That display, spread across the central block of the lower tier in the Palace end, had been the iconic image from celebrations with their dad Mark after Darren Ambrose’s incredible 40-yard goal in the League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2011.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2025
While Cena is definitely talented and has earned this status, no pro wrestler reaches the pinnacles of the business without worthy opponents and iconic feuds.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for iconic
Cite this Entry
“Iconic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iconic. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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