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

After a wild scramble at Tribal Council, Tevin was almost unanimously voted out, with only Andy Griffith alliance partner Hunter McKnight staying true (although Hunter did not tip him off, nor give him his immunity idol). —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2024

Shohei Ohtani pulled even with one of his boyhood idols with a milestone home run in the first inning and added doubles in the fifth and seventh innings to extend a torrid eight-game stretch in which the Dodgers slugger is batting .458 (16 for 35) with four homers, seven doubles and six RBIs. —Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024

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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing idol

• fallen idol
• matinee idol

Kids Definition

idol

noun

ˈid-ᵊl 

1

: an image worshipped as a god

2

: a greatly loved and admired person or thing