idyll

noun

ˈī-dᵊl 

 British usually  ˈi-(ˌ)dil

variants or less commonly idyl

1

a

: a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment

b

: a narrative poem (such as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic, or tragic theme

2

a

: a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll

b

: a romantic interlude

Synonyms

• binge
• fling
• frisk
• frolic
• gambol
• lark
• ploy
• revel
• rollick
• romp
• spree

Examples of idyll in a Sentence

her year as a vineyard worker in the south of France was not the idyll that she had expected it to be

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, one day, a dark cloud appeared, as if summoned by a witch jealous of their domestic idyll. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

Iconic visitors who helped to establish the glamorous allure of this little hilltop idyll include Greta Garbo, Orson Wells and Marlene Dietrich. —Alexandra Zagalsky, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024

The legendary designer is unveiling what might be the most unprecedented project of his lifetime – the rebirth of one of the world’s most exquisite natural settings into a luxury vacation idyll. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2024

Indeed, the idyll that made Asheville a regional tourist hub of artsy flair, bustling breweries and forested mountain majesty – nearly 300 miles from the Atlantic coast – today appears condemned after one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the US mainland in the last 50 years. —Dakin Andone and Dianne Gallagher, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin idyllium, from Greek eidyllion, from diminutive of eidos form; akin to Greek idein to see — more at wit

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

idyll

noun

variants also idyl

ˈīd-ᵊl 

1

: a simple poetic or prose work that describes peaceful country life

2

: a scene or event one might write an idyll about