iconic

adjective

icon·​ic ī-ˈkä-nik 

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

iconically

ī-ˈkä-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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

In the clip, Cannon and Monroe wrap themselves in blankets, spin around and imitate singing Carey's iconic high note. —Ellie Beeck, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025

Anyone who loves satire and cringe will love Seth Rogen’s Matt Remick, a sharp but insecure producer doing his darnedest to make iconic Hollywood movies—only to find out that sometimes, the work is better without him. —Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025

Security was tight and, before the traditional midnight fireworks, the iconic Harbor Bridge was illuminated in white as a symbol of peace and unity while the Australian city paused for a moment of silence for the victims. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025

Chalet Alpina will also offer two public dining spots, including a steakhouse housed inside Aspen’s historic skier’s chalet—an iconic landmark from the town’s early days. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin īconicus "of a likeness or image," borrowed from Greek eikonikós "(of a statue) in the likeness (of someone)" (Late Greek, "pertaining to or employing images, representative, symbolic"), from eikon-, eikṓn "image, likeness" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at icon

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for iconic

• atonic
• benthonic
• bionic
• bosonic
• bubonic
• canonic
• carbonic
• cyclonic
• demonic
• dystonic
• hadronic
• harmonic