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

• god
• hero
• icon
• ikon

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

Roan also opened up about the good things her newfound fame has afforded her, including recognition from her idols. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 July 2024

The cast of worship-ready teen idols and Doherty, in particular, were plum targets for tabloid fodder. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024

Long before method dressing had mobilized on the red carpets, sports fans were attending sports tournaments dressed in the image of their sporting idols. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 12 July 2024

Guest invitations, in the form of miniature temples with gold idols of Hindu gods, have gone viral on social media. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune Asia, 11 July 2024

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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing idol

• fallen idol
• matinee idol

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing