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

So, this was my only exposure to my newfound, idol! —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 10 Jan. 2025

The Chilean-American actor starred as a Roman warrior Marcus Acacius opposite Paul Mescal — who portrayed Lucius Verus, the son of the original Gladiator's Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and nephew of villain Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), who grows to view Maximus (Crowe) as an idol. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

That record currently belongs to his idol and former Olympic doubles partner, Rafael Nadal, who did it at 24 and retired at the end of last year. —Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Upon arrival to Heap's London home, Grande enjoyed dinner prepared by her idol. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 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