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

—P. B. Shelley

Synonyms

• 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

In just a few days, Aniyah has gained more than half a million followers on TikTok, with the nine-time Grammy winner’s fanbase seeking her out online to praise her for protecting their idol. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025

Hong Kong pop idols Anson Lo of boy band Mirror and Marf Yau from girl group Collar make guest appearances. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025

Then 20, Korda won three matches in qualifying before winning three more, including a second-round upset of big-serving compatriot John Isner, to set up the showdown with his childhood idol. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025

As a tribute to his comedic idol, Reynolds has Wade Wilson holding or reading the same book in 2016’s Deadpool, 2018’s Deadpool 2 and 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

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
• fratricidal
• fungicidal

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing