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

He's invited to a training camp run by his idol (Marlon Wayans) to see if the kid is a franchise player, and the youngster goes on a journey that's psychologically challenging and extremely bloody. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

Nima Rinji Sherpa 60 Minutes Today, Nima is chasing the recognition that once eluded his idol. —Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

His big break came via his idol, Eddie McGuire, the famed Australian TV and radio presenter and former president of the Collingwood Football Club. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025

Visually, Mitchell’s images are sumptuous, stylish, and seductive, channelling the old-school photographic glamour epitomized by Richard Avedon, one of Mitchell’s idols. —Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 20 Dec. 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