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 idolP. B. Shelley

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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for idol

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of idol was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

idol

noun
1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on idol

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