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

Just the 418 to go for Mbappe, then… although Ancelotti believes the Frenchman could emulate his childhood idol. —Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025

Notably, K-pop accounts for 14% of MAJ, and idol performers account for 9%, indicating the major influence of dance and vocal groups. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025

Related article The truth about William McKinley, the ‘tariff king’ and Trump’s idol The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 4.26% as investors snapped up government bonds, highlighting a risk-averse sentiment amid tariff uncertainty. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025

Bobby Sherman, an actor and singer who rose to teen idol status in the 1960s, has been diagnosed with cancer. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 28 Mar. 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

Rhymes for idol

• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• tidal
• widal
• apsidal
• subtidal
• fratricidal
• fungicidal

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing