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 idolP. B. Shelley

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Take idols in Japan, for instance; they will be made up a certain way and told to do this or not do that. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 Some idols have broken free from their labels for a greater share of independence and a little more breathing room. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, vocalist Kya is a 14-year-old middle schooler who juggles her commitments as a K-pop idol with her daily homework. Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 Kang says she’s noticed that not only have people around the world started to follow the K-Pop ecosystem but that more and more fans are auditioning to become idols. Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idol

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of idol was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

idol

noun
1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on idol

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