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

This is far from the first time that K-pop idols have fallen afoul of fans for having personal relationships. —Larissa Gao, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024

Many are grieving following one of the first and most significant deaths of an idol from their childhoods. —Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024

The concept of the show began when Gadsby was on stage in December 2023 reading letters to Barbra Streisand in an attempt to unpack the idea of parasocial relationships — which is a term that refers to a one-sided relationship, like one between a fan and their idol. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Where Adele had revitalized the art of album sales in 2010, Grande became proof of concept at how the streaming era could generate gargantuan pop idols in the modern music business. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 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

before the 12th 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