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 idolP. 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And this is coming from the guy who always bitches, moans, and complains when players share news of their idols and advantages! Dalton Ross, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Fans have continued to gather around the hotel, mourning their pop idol with candles, poems and flowers. Caroline Frost, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for idol 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of idol was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near idol

Cite this Entry

“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

idol

noun
1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on idol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!