# iconic

/ˌaɪˈkɑnɪk/ (US) · /aɪkˈɒnɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/iconic
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. famous and representative

adjective · CEFR B2

very famous and seen as a classic example of a person, place, or thing.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. resembling the object

adjective · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

describes a sign or image that looks like the thing it represents.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. relating to religious icons

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

relating to religious paintings or statues, especially in the Orthodox Church.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark in Paris.
- The actress wore an iconic black dress that became the most famous fashion image of the decade.
- While many buildings are functional, only a few achieve an iconic status that allows them to define a city's skyline for generations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.