# idol

/ˈaɪdəɫ/ (US) · /ˈaɪdəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/idol
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. admired person

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The young singer became a teen idol almost overnight after her first hit song.
- The retired footballer remains a national idol, with his face appearing on billboards and television commercials across the country.

### 2. religious image

noun · CEFR B2

a statue or picture that people worship as a god.

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

- The explorers found an ancient stone idol hidden deep inside the temple.
- The museum's collection includes several bronze idols from the third century, many of which show signs of ritual wear from centuries of devotion.

### 3. pop star

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He spent all his savings on tickets to see his favorite K-pop idol perform live.
- The agency maintains strict control over the idol's public image, ensuring they remain relatable yet aspirational to their dedicated fanbase.

### 4. phantom or illusion

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

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

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

- The traveler thought he saw a city, but it was just an idol of the mind.
- He warned his students not to be deceived by the idols of the marketplace, which often obscure the truth with popular but empty phrases.

## Examples

- The young singer is a pop idol for millions of teenagers.
- Growing up, he viewed his grandfather as his personal idol because of his bravery and kindness.
- The museum's collection includes several ancient stone idols that were once central to the spiritual life of the local community.

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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.