idyll

noun

ˈī-dᵊl How to pronounce idyll (audio)
 British usually  ˈi-(ˌ)dil
variants or less commonly idyl
1
a
: a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment
b
: a narrative poem (such as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic, or tragic theme
2
a
: a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll
b
: a romantic interlude

Examples of idyll in a Sentence

her year as a vineyard worker in the south of France was not the idyll that she had expected it to be
Recent Examples on the Web The legendary designer is unveiling what might be the most unprecedented project of his lifetime – the rebirth of one of the world’s most exquisite natural settings into a luxury vacation idyll. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2024 Indeed, the idyll that made Asheville a regional tourist hub of artsy flair, bustling breweries and forested mountain majesty – nearly 300 miles from the Atlantic coast – today appears condemned after one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the US mainland in the last 50 years. Dakin Andone and Dianne Gallagher, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024 Playing out a narrative of increasingly high-key melodrama in a low-key register, the film steadily picks apart the bucolic idyll of Michelle’s golden years, sliding in the process from ambling character study to cool-blooded thriller in the spirit of Simenon. Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024 Perhaps Michelle, in her countryside idyll is not as sweet as being elderly can stereotypically invoke. Callum McLennan, Variety, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for idyll 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idyll.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin idyllium, from Greek eidyllion, from diminutive of eidos form; akin to Greek idein to see — more at wit

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of idyll was in 1586

Dictionary Entries Near idyll

Cite this Entry

“Idyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idyll. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

idyll

noun
variants also idyl
1
: a simple poetic or prose work that describes peaceful country life
2
: a scene or event one might write an idyll about

More from Merriam-Webster on idyll

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!