the idea

noun

: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention
The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.
The idea is to get people to attend.

Examples of the idea in a Sentence

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.
Nevertheless, as the levels go up and down, the idea is allocation of audit personnel to provide that credible threat. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 So the idea of the dandyism for the LV camp was centered around tailoring. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 The Feels is the brainchild of Allie Hoffman, who came up with the idea for a more thoughtful IRL dating event while pursuing her master’s degree from the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Two local guys had the idea of turning the derelict elevated railroad tracks into a garden walkway—the High Line. Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for the idea

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!