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 …

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

Synonyms of idol

• 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

Many of sombr’s alt-rock idols ultimately turned away from pop stardom, burned out on the road or both. —Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2025

Sophi Balerdi tried to steal Steven’s Block-a-Vote advantage at Tribal Council, but because Steven had already activated it back at camp, Sophie was left embarrassed and empty-handed while Steven appeared to hold all the cards, especially when Rizo Velocic decided to not play his immunity idol. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025

The show became a huge hit almost immediately, turning Justine into a teen idol. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025

Kang and Appelhans also aimed to capture the diversity of the fans, from kids to gym bros to women who dress in the image of their idols. —Eliza Berman, Time, 9 Dec. 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