What does idol mean?
An idol is someone or something held in exceptionally high esteem, especially a famous entertainer, athlete, or other public figure. In modern English, the word can convey admiration, but it may also suggest an intense or excessive devotion that borders on worship. The older sense refers to a physical object or image representing a deity and venerated as sacred. The metaphor of “idol worship” describes treating a person, object, or value with unquestioning devotion. This range of meanings makes “idol” useful for discussing both religious devotion and the powerful place celebrities occupy in popular culture. The word is not limited to performers: a respected leader, athlete, or admired individual can also be described as an idol.
nounAn object or image revered as a representation or embodiment of a deity, or a person greatly admired and idolized. In modern usage, it often refers to a celebrated entertainer, athlete, or public figure.
- A person or thing regarded with great admiration, devotion, or enthusiasm.
- An object, image, or symbol worshipped as a representation of a deity.
- A person regarded as an ideal or standard of beauty, achievement, or behaviour.
"The young footballer quickly became a national idol."
"The singer was regarded as an idol by generations of fans."
"The statue was treated as an idol by the religious community."
The regular plural is used for both admired people and religious images or objects.
"The museum displays idols from several ancient cultures."
From a word for a carved image of a god, “idol” has evolved into a modern shorthand for the people who dominate our admiration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does idol come from?
The English word comes through Old French from Latin idolum, a borrowed form of Greek eidōlon, meaning an image, statue, or representation. Greek eidōlon was associated with eidos, “form” or “appearance,” and referred originally to a likeness rather than necessarily to a deity. The religious sense developed when such images were worshipped, while the modern sense of an object of intense admiration is a later figurative extension.
Related word forms
How idol is actually used
In contemporary use, the word is usually affectionate or mildly critical, especially when referring to excessive admiration of a public figure. The older religious sense remains standard in discussions of idolatry and idol worship.
Easily confused with idol
An idol is someone or something admired or worshipped, whereas an idyll is a peaceful scene or period, and is pronounced differently.