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

Missing were Wallace’s early champion, Andre Harrell, who died in 2020; and Wallace’s idol Heavy D, who died suddenly in 2011. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Joachim Meyerhoff who was playing Gründgens, is an idol for me in German theater. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2026

He was often compared to Xavi (who was also his idol) because of his playing style. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

For the back end of the Falcons’ defense, there is no greater priority, no bigger idol, than the ball. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026

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
• bactericidal
• insecticidal

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing