icon

noun

\ ˈī-ˌkän

variants: or less commonly ikon

Definition of icon

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a graphic symbol on a computer display screen that represents an app, an object (such as a file), or a function (such as the command to save)

b : a sign (such as a word or graphic symbol) whose form suggests its meaning

2 : an object of uncritical devotion : idol

3 : emblem, symbol the house became an icon of 1960's residential architecture— Paul Goldberger

4 [ Late Greek eikōn, from Greek ] : a conventional religious image typically painted on a small wooden panel and used in the devotions of Eastern Christians

5 : a usually pictorial representation : image

icon-

combining form

variants: or icono-

Definition of icon- (Entry 2 of 2)

: image iconolatry

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about icon

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Examples of icon in a Sentence

Noun

Click on the icon to open your e-mail program. He has become an icon in the movie business. a singer who has become a pop icon The Statue of Liberty has become an American cultural icon.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Add the name Lord Sebastian Flyte to your list of camp icons. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "It’s Time to Take a Recess From Serious Fashion—13 Camp Creations on the Fall Runways," 8 Apr. 2019 Villanelle has emerged as a sort of fashion icon for her delicious tailored suits. — Jill Gutowitz, Glamour, "Killing Eve Is Made for Women By Women, and It Shows," 8 Apr. 2019 Now check out 100 years of beauty icons: Follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox. — Nicole Briese, Allure, "Emma Stone Sparks Massive Engagement Rumors Due to Ring Finger Accessory," 7 Apr. 2019 Paris Hilton knows how to rock a sparkly look, and has even been known to inspire the next generation of fashion icons like Kendall Jenner with her chic '90s diamanté dresses. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Paris Hilton Just Wore the Sparkliest Jumpsuit to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day," 17 Mar. 2019 Kim Kardashian West is one of the top fashion icons in the world that our customers draw inspiration from. — Alyssa Hardy, Teen Vogue, "Imitation In Fashion is a Huge Problem, But It's Probably Not Going Anywhere," 13 Mar. 2019 Or at least, a version of each historical icon will. — Cody Boteler, baltimoresun.com, "'Seeking Justice 2018': CCBC and Maryland Humanities bring history to life," 9 July 2018 It will be located on the mezzanine and lower level of the Art Deco icon. — Carol Motsinger, Cincinnati.com, "With Holocaust center's move, Union Terminal will, once more, be a refuge for survivors," 6 July 2018 Since that time the words of the civil rights icon have echoed through battles over human rights for dozens of years. — Susan Miller, USA TODAY, "Civil rights icon John Lewis: 'We are all one people, one family'," 30 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'icon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.