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

Compelled to exact revenge upon those who dare to disrespect her idol on social media, Dre carves a bloody path of obsession all the way to the singer’s doorstep. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026

There's also a hunt for special idols across the country. —Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

The clue to the idol hidden in Missouri will be revealed on Saturday, according to the website. —Lisa Gutierrez january 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026

On the four-minute track, Tyler talks about shopping for estates in the Hamptons, turning his idols into rivals, and trying to land a $100 million record contract. —Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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