Word
iconic
Phoneticsicon·ic
US/ˌaɪˈkɑnɪk/
UK/aɪkˈɒnɪk/
Definitions
01famous and representative
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. very famous and seen as a classic example of a person, place, or thing.
adj. widely recognized and established as a distinctive symbol or quintessential example of a particular style, era, or concept.
“The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark that everyone recognizes as a symbol of Paris.”
“The designer's iconic little black dress revolutionized women's fashion in the 1920s, establishing a minimalist aesthetic that remains influential a century later.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02resembling the object
C2 · Proficiency Science Academic · Technical
adj. describes a sign or image that looks like the thing it represents.
adj. pertaining to a sign that represents its object mainly by its similarity to it; used in semiotics to contrast with symbolic or indexical signs.
“A picture of a fire on a sign is an iconic symbol because it looks like real flames.”
“Onomatopoeic words like 'buzz' or 'hiss' are considered iconic because their phonetic form mimics the natural sounds they describe.”
Usage
In linguistics and semiotics, this term describes a direct relationship of resemblance between the form and the meaning.
Synonyms
03relating to religious icons
C1 · Advanced Religion Formal
adj. relating to religious paintings or statues, especially in the Orthodox Church.
adj. relating to or characteristic of sacred images, typically those painted on wood and used in religious devotion.
“The museum has a beautiful collection of iconic art from ancient churches.”
“The cathedral is famous for its iconic tradition, featuring gold-leafed portraits of saints that have been venerated for centuries.”
Real-World Examples
“Can computers learn what makes the most iconic jazz musicians stand out?” “The Berkshire film studio was previously home to iconic horror studio Hammer Films.” “The same scenes of excitement played out on Barcelona's iconic Montjuic hill, where hundreds of people had arranged to meet to enjoy the event.” Etymology
From Late Latin īconicus, from Ancient Greek εἰκονικός (eikonikós). By surface analysis, icon + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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