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
4
: a false conception : fallacy
5
: a form or appearance visible but without substance
… an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol …—
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Percy Bysshe ShelleyExamples 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
When asked who his biggest idol is, Mateus Fernandes named the Manchester United captain in an Instagram post Spurs published on Thursday.
—
Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
But neither those measures nor Friday’s sizzling temperatures stopped fans from gathering in hopes of sneaking a peak at their longtime idol and sending Swift their well wishes.
—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2026
So if a certain pop idol were to choose this island, at this moment, for her vows, could anywhere be more fitting?
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Drawing on her experience as a former member of Musubizm, Kimura described Kawaii Lab as part of a wider shift in idol culture.
—
Faye Bradley,
Variety,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for idol
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Mark Critchley,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
But neither those measures nor Friday’s sizzling temperatures stopped fans from gathering in hopes of sneaking a peak at their longtime idol and sending Swift their well wishes.
—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2026
So if a certain pop idol were to choose this island, at this moment, for her vows, could anywhere be more fitting?
—
ABC News,
2 July 2026
Drawing on her experience as a former member of Musubizm, Kimura described Kawaii Lab as part of a wider shift in idol culture.
—
Faye Bradley,
Variety,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for idol
Cite this Entry
“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idol
noun1
: an image worshipped as a god
2
: a greatly loved and admired person or thing
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
