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

Carter has openly described Giants legend Lawrence Taylor as his idol. —Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2026

Set in a remote hilly village in Northeast India, the story follows eight-year-old Rang, a Karbi tribe boy with a single consuming passion – soccer – whose idol is Messi. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 May 2026

Larger crowds gather for idols from various spheres of influence. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 May 2026

In many ways, Questelle has been Abner’s idol. —Kansas City Star, 22 May 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