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—
P. B. Shelley
P. B. Shelley
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
This is far from the first time that K-pop idols have fallen afoul of fans for having personal relationships.
—Larissa Gao, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024
Many are grieving following one of the first and most significant deaths of an idol from their childhoods.
—Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024
The concept of the show began when Gadsby was on stage in December 2023 reading letters to Barbra Streisand in an attempt to unpack the idea of parasocial relationships — which is a term that refers to a one-sided relationship, like one between a fan and their idol.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024
Where Adele had revitalized the art of album sales in 2010, Grande became proof of concept at how the streaming era could generate gargantuan pop idols in the modern music business.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idol 
Larissa Gao, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024
Many are grieving following one of the first and most significant deaths of an idol from their childhoods.
—Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024
The concept of the show began when Gadsby was on stage in December 2023 reading letters to Barbra Streisand in an attempt to unpack the idea of parasocial relationships — which is a term that refers to a one-sided relationship, like one between a fan and their idol.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024
Where Adele had revitalized the art of album sales in 2010, Grande became proof of concept at how the streaming era could generate gargantuan pop idols in the modern music business.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idol
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near idol
Cite this Entry
“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idol
noun1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing
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