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 idolP. B. Shelley

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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for idol

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of idol was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

idol

noun
1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on idol

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