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 …

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

Synonyms of idol

• 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

None of them told me about the idol. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025

Reflecting on their career with Variety ahead of a Hollywood handprint ceremony outside the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Jonas Brothers spoke about their early days as Disney idols and tabloid sensations. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2025

The episode starts with Sage telling Jawan about Kristina’s idol and then, later, telling Sophie about it as well. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025

Richard, now a 22-year-old surprise starter on Golden State, is soaking up the wisdom gleaned from sharing a locker room with his former idols Steph Curry and Draymond Green. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 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