idol

/ˈaɪ.dl̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: idols

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power.

Noun

Examples

20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues, yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship deuils, and idoles of golde, and siluer, and brasse, and stone, and of wood, which neither can see, nor heare, nor walke: 21 Neither repented they of their mu

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A cultural icon, or especially popular person.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “idol” mean?

A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power.

Is “idol” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.