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
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
In his rural idyll, McKinniss might be moving into a more contemplative mood than that of his 20s and 30s.
—
Chloe Schama, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2025
No Castle Island idyll is complete without a stop for sweet and salty sustenance at Sullivan’s, a beloved Southie landmark serving burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls and ice cream since 1951.
—Jenna Russell, New York Times, 4 July 2024
This array of circumstances — what supporters call a pastoral idyll and critics call ripe for worker abuse — has led to frequent conflict between labor advocates and ranchers in recent years.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
In the post-war years, growing numbers of Americans pursued a suburban idyll of modern convenience.
—David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idyll 
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Chloe Schama, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2025
No Castle Island idyll is complete without a stop for sweet and salty sustenance at Sullivan’s, a beloved Southie landmark serving burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls and ice cream since 1951.
—Jenna Russell, New York Times, 4 July 2024
This array of circumstances — what supporters call a pastoral idyll and critics call ripe for worker abuse — has led to frequent conflict between labor advocates and ranchers in recent years.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
In the post-war years, growing numbers of Americans pursued a suburban idyll of modern convenience.
—David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idyll
Dictionary Entries Near idyll
Cite this Entry
“Idyll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idyll. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idyll
noun
variants
also idyl
1
: a simple poetic or prose work that describes peaceful country life
2
: a scene or event one might write an idyll about
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