noun
idol
EYE-dl
noun
1
An object, often a statue or image, worshipped as a god or believed to hold spiritual power.
"Archaeologists found a small stone idol in the temple ruins."
2
A person who is greatly admired, especially a celebrity or public figure.
"The teenager kept a poster of her pop idol on the bedroom wall."
How to Use Idol
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a worshipped image/object, or a hugely admired celebrity figure.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "idle" (inactive) — same pronunciation, unrelated meaning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
teen idol
pop idol
worship an idol
Word Forms
idols plural
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Archaeologists found a small stone _____ in the temple ruins.
Etymology
From Greek eidolon, "image" or "phantom," from eidos, "form" — the same root that gives us "idea."