idyll

noun

ˈī-dᵊl How to pronounce idyll (audio)
British usually ˈi-(ˌ)dil
variants or less commonly idyl
Synonyms of idyllnext
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
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.
If powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungles are at the top of your travel itinerary, the following 11 idylls are must-gos, where nature is at its most relaxed and pleasurable. Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026 Rescuing utopian idyll from dystopian reality, Koreeda determines that humanity is too fragile to forfeit its defining qualities to a mechanical species; that our only viable function in an artificial tomorrow is as the eternal caretakers of memory and imagination. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 These are not pretty, chintzy designs referencing a pastoral idyll. Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 Surrounded by mature trees, dense greenery, and high walls, the grounds create a private, park-like idyll with sloping lawns, spacious terraces, and views toward the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park Observatory, with a swimming pool at the center of the estate. Mark David, Robb Report, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for idyll

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idyll. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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

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