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
The nightclub, where iconic acts like Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and R.E.M. once played, was filled Thursday night.
—
Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 2025
The event is timed with the blooming of the lake’s iconic lotus flowers, which was once the largest outside Asia.
—Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
This iconic sneaker receives a distinctly feminine twist through its intricate embellishments, symbolizing Jordan Brand’s 40-year journey—from its foundation in sport to its elevated place in culture.
—Essence, 16 May 2025
Manchester City will lock horns with Crystal Palace for the FA Cup trophy in what promises to be a thrilling final at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for iconic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 2025
The event is timed with the blooming of the lake’s iconic lotus flowers, which was once the largest outside Asia.
—Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
This iconic sneaker receives a distinctly feminine twist through its intricate embellishments, symbolizing Jordan Brand’s 40-year journey—from its foundation in sport to its elevated place in culture.
—Essence, 16 May 2025
Manchester City will lock horns with Crystal Palace for the FA Cup trophy in what promises to be a thrilling final at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 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 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share