idol

noun

ˈī-dᵊl 

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 idol …

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

Synonyms of idol

• hero

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

That second immunity idol that is a whale, because that means that three tribes are back. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026

The K-pop romantic comedy follows the virtual idol group LEVRIT with their real identities hidden and a female fan who sees through them. — Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

For Spring/ Summer 2027, established ambassadors and global fandoms continued to drive social engagement, with Thai drama stars eclipsing K-pop idols for the first time to dominate the overall ranking. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026

Collabs with now-ex girlfriend Avril Lavigne, Machine Gun Kelly, and one of his idols, Travis Barker, furthered his oeuvre. — Katherine Turman, SPIN, 13 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing idol

• fallen idol
• matinee idol

Rhymes for idol

• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• tidal
• widal
• apsidal
• subtidal
• bactericidal
• insecticidal

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing