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 Beating one of her childhood idols required additional mind tricks. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 Some crowd members throw or wave props to get their idol’s attention. Beatrice Hazlehurst, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 The pop superstar/actress, 31, appeared on Friday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live and shared who her music idol was growing up. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 In an era when sports documentaries are exploding, and fans want to live closer to their idols than ever before, this pioneering project feels like the natural next step. Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Sabrina Carpenter is shook after performing with her idol Taylor Swift! Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024 Discussing his entertainment idols, Cera fittingly name-checks actor-turned-filmmaker Michael Showalter. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Thompson referenced his idol Ray Allen, a superstar who embraced a lesser role with the Miami Heat late in his 30s. Shayna Rubin, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2024 She’s been to three home concerts and supports her idol’s new romance. Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idol.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of idol was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near idol

Cite this Entry

“Idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idol. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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