English Explanatory Dictionary

idol

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power.
  2. A cultural icon, or especially popular person.
  3. A popular entertainer, usually young, captivating and attractive, and often female, with an image of being close to fans.
  4. An eidolon or phantom; a misleading or elusive image or representation.

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪ.dl̩/ [ˈaɪ.dl̩] īʹdl LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-idol.wav [ˈaɪ.ɾl̩] en-us-idol.ogg /ˈɑɪ.dl̩/ [ˈɑɪ.ɾl̩]

Word forms

idol idols idoll

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *weyd- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *wéydos Proto-Hellenic *wéidos Ancient Greek εἶδος (eîdos) Ancient Greek εἴδωλον (eídōlon)der. Latin īdōlumder. Old French idolebor. Middle English ydole English idol From Middle English ydole, from Old French idole, from Latin idolum, from Ancient Greek εἴδωλον (eídōlon, “image, idol”), from εἶδος (eîdos, “form”), from Proto-Indo-European *wéydos (“seeing, image”), from *weyd- (“to see”). Doublet of aidoru, eidolon, and idolum and related to idea.

Synonyms

pagod pagoda icon star superstar

Derived words

gravure idol idolatry idolic idolise idolize idolish idolism idolist idolomancy idolomania idolous idol shepherd idolsphere idol-worthy kill your idols matinee idol matinée idol Moorish idol
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