the idea

noun

: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention
The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.
The idea is to get people to attend.

Examples of the idea in a Sentence

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.
Pretty privilege — the idea that attractive people reap unearned benefits due to their appearance — affects finances, with conventionally good-looking people earning thousands of dollars more annually than their less conventionally attractive counterparts. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Investors panicked at the idea of a cheaper alternative that allows tech companies to spend less on graphics chips. Julie Coleman, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2025 Bringing the idea to Gordon, the two put together a story over a weekend, then Brooks scripted the film in a matter of weeks. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025 Title of course: Engineering Systems for the Common Good What prompted the idea for the course? Raúl Ordóñez, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for the idea 

Dictionary Entries Near the idea

Cite this Entry

“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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