1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon
2
a
: widely recognized and well-established
an iconic brand name
b
: widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence
an iconic writer
a region's iconic wines
Did you know?
The original meaning of iconic was essentially "resembling an icon," but today it often describes what is so admired that it could be the subject of an icon. And with that use, iconic has become part of the language of advertising and publicity: companies and magazines and TV hosts encourage us to think of some consumer item or pop star or show as first-rate or immortal or flawless—absolutely "iconic"—when that person or thing is actually simply widely known and—they assert—distinctively excellent.
Examples of iconic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Prime Gaming subscribers can pick up ten PC games for free to celebrate Secret Level, the upcoming Prime Video anthology series focused on iconic video game franchises.
—
Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
California ‘People are still dying on PCH’: Malibu fights to make its iconic roadway less dangerous
Oct. 20, 2024
The Ventura County Fire Department assisted in the on-the-ground search and said in a statement Monday evening that one of the passengers had been located safe at home.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
What's Inside the Box? Katz’s Deli, New York City’s oldest and most iconic deli, released a Chrismukkah dinner package so those who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or both can enjoy a flavorful feast on the combined holiday this year.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Pair your excursion with a picturesque walk in nearby St James’s Park.
Luxury Streets and Districts
Bond Street
Bond is one of London’s most iconic shopping streets, home to flagship stores and high-end jewelry boutiques like Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Prada.
—Eva Ramirez, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for iconic 
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Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
California ‘People are still dying on PCH’: Malibu fights to make its iconic roadway less dangerous
Oct. 20, 2024
The Ventura County Fire Department assisted in the on-the-ground search and said in a statement Monday evening that one of the passengers had been located safe at home.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
What's Inside the Box? Katz’s Deli, New York City’s oldest and most iconic deli, released a Chrismukkah dinner package so those who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or both can enjoy a flavorful feast on the combined holiday this year.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Pair your excursion with a picturesque walk in nearby St James’s Park.
Luxury Streets and Districts
Bond Street
Bond is one of London’s most iconic shopping streets, home to flagship stores and high-end jewelry boutiques like Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Prada.
—Eva Ramirez, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for iconic
Dictionary Entries Near iconic
Cite this Entry
“Iconic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iconic. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
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