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

The general path is for idols to hunker down and compromise in groups to debut and make an identity, before striking out on their own. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

In addition to transforming David Cassidy into a teen idol, the series also launched the long-running showbiz careers of his onscreen siblings, Susan Dey and Danny Bonaduce. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026

The idol swaps bodies with Jun-hyeon, who can’t believe this is happening again. — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 July 2026

And after his initial feel-good story of being drafted by the Lightning and meeting his idol Nikita Kucherov, Kulebiakin admitted his first two days at camp were a challenge physically. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

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
• bactericidal
• insecticidal

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing