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

—P. B. Shelley

Synonyms

• 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 film covers the life of Mima, a J-Pop idol, who wants to move on to other things and have a more involved career in acting. —Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

In the middle game, Parvati also found a hidden immunity idol and a steal-an-idol advantage, making her difficult to beat. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025

So Yeon, while Zoey's appearance was drawn from several K-pop idols. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

Former teen idol Shaun Cassidy is embarking on his first major tour in 45 years. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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