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REFERENCE

idol

n.
US //ˈaɪdəɫ// UK //ˈaɪdəl// idol
  1. 1 admired person (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a person, such as a famous singer or athlete, who is greatly loved and admired by their fans.

    a person who is the object of intense admiration, devotion, or adoration by a large public audience.

    Example

    The young singer became a teen idol almost overnight after her first hit song.

    Example

    The retired footballer remains a national idol, with his face appearing on billboards and television commercials across the country.
  2. 2 religious image (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    a statue or picture that people worship as a god.

    an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.

    Example

    The explorers found an ancient stone idol hidden deep inside the temple.

    Example

    The museum's collection includes several bronze idols from the third century, many of which show signs of ritual wear from centuries of devotion.
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  1. 3 pop star (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a young entertainer, often in a group, who has a very clean and attractive image for their fans.

    a type of media-manufactured celebrity, particularly in East Asian pop culture, marketed for their personality and attractiveness.

    Example

    He spent all his savings on tickets to see his favorite K-pop idol perform live.

    Example

    The agency maintains strict control over the idol's public image, ensuring they remain relatable yet aspirational to their dedicated fanbase.
    • pop star
  2. 4 phantom or illusion (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    a false idea or a ghost-like image that is not real.

    a misleading or elusive image; a phantom or an unfounded mental conception.

    Example

    The traveler thought he saw a city, but it was just an idol of the mind.

    Example

    He warned his students not to be deceived by the idols of the marketplace, which often obscure the truth with popular but empty phrases.
Origin

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.

Word family

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