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

• hero

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

Jo Yu-ri’s casting is particularly noteworthy given her unique position as both a former K-pop idol and emerging dramatic actor. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 July 2025

The Japan debut single by the five-member K-pop virtual idol group launched with 388,211 copies after being released on July 9, topping sales and coming in at No. 5 for radio airplay. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 July 2025

Her tennis idols growing up were Williams and Maria Sharapova. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025

Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo voice K-pop idols who moonlight as demon hunters. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 9 July 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