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.
The Dance Moms alum opened up about feeling judged by one of her idols in a post on Thursday (June 12). Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 12 June 2025 This is a skill Youssef first honed by observing his comedy idols. Selome Hailu, Variety, 10 June 2025 Hidalgo explained that many clubs have shown interest in his client, but that playing for Barca is a dream for Alvarez because of his idol being Qatar 2022 teammate Lionel Messi. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Some bore idols of the deity associated with the temple. Zia Ur-Rehman Asim Hafeez, New York Times, 30 May 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 18 Jun. 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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