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
4
: a false conception : fallacy
5
: a form or appearance visible but without substance
… an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol …—
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Percy Bysshe ShelleyExamples 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
His artist idol Harvey is one of the most popular and prolific wildlife artists in the world.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
As the youngest member of BLACKPINK, Lisa has been shipped with many idols.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 Feb. 2026
Some way short of the 467 made by his idol Vitor Baia, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper who inspired him to wear No 99 on his back, but hefty nonetheless.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
The show carried on after Bruce’s exit with a Tribal Council on day 3, and Maddy Pomilla became the first person actually voted out of the game when Brandon Cottom played an idol so his one vote against her sent the 28-year-old charity projects manager home.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idol
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Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
As the youngest member of BLACKPINK, Lisa has been shipped with many idols.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 Feb. 2026
Some way short of the 467 made by his idol Vitor Baia, the Champions League-winning goalkeeper who inspired him to wear No 99 on his back, but hefty nonetheless.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
The show carried on after Bruce’s exit with a Tribal Council on day 3, and Maddy Pomilla became the first person actually voted out of the game when Brandon Cottom played an idol so his one vote against her sent the 28-year-old charity projects manager home.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idol
Cite this Entry
“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idol
noun1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing
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