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

Like his idol Paul Bocuse, Keller has created a proving ground for exceptional chefs in addition to an outstanding restaurant to dine at. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 June 2026

No longer can basketball executives plan for a distant future while waiting on their teen idols to grow up. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Fans all over, be that at Paris Fashion Week or online, await, ready to offer their veneration to their idol of choice. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026

Ruben’s modern twist on Northanger focused on a young American literature teacher named Catherine Winslet, who relocates to Bath to ghostwrite the memoirs of her eccentric idol, Mrs Daftwood. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 June 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