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

The 58-year-old identical twins are the sons of Ricky Nelson — a teen idol of the 1950s and 60s who died in a tragic plane crash at age 45 — and the grandsons of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, the stars of the eponymous television show. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

His goal was to be just like his idol, legendary Iowa coach Dan Gable. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026

Just thinking about having this film play in the same place where one of his idols, Elvis Presley performed, was thrilling. —Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

To officially qualify for the grand prize sweepstakes, participants who find an idol must submit a photo wearing it through the digital hub. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 7 Jan. 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
• fratricidal
• fungicidal

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing