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

• god
• hero
• icon
• ikon

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

Doug Gilmour, Marner’s idol, holds the record with 95 (1992-93). —Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

One common misconception about Hinduism, according to Hindu devotees who spoke with the Miami Herald, is that Hindus worship idols instead of worshiping one God. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2025

When your chip bags spilled over and your idols reeked and all your friends tried to kill you. —Jessica Furseth, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025

So, this was my only exposure to my newfound, idol! —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 10 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing