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

Filled with huge memorable moments like Tyson voting himself off, J.T. giving Russell his immunity idol, and Parvati handing out two immunity idols at one Tribal Council. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024

The third shot showed the peak time in the evening and at that point, thousands of cars could be seen descending on the stadium as fans flocked to see their idol perform. —Aron Solomon, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

While some idols wait years to tour internationally as soloists or apart from their groups, Hwasa is seizing the opportunity early to prove that her appeal extends far beyond her home country. —Jeff Benjamin, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

The Seder was a bit like all other Seders (prayers were recited) and also not (there was shouting about Zionism as a false idol). —The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024

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