- 1
A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power.
- Sunning himself on the board steps, I saw for the first time Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke. He was dressed out in broad gaiters and bright tweeds, like an English tourist, and his face might have belonged to Dagon, idol of the Philistines.
- There's a one-eyed yellow idol to the north of Kathmandu, There's a little marble cross below the town; There's a broken-hearted woman tends the grave of Mad Carew, And the Yellow God forever gazes down.
- 2
A cultural icon, or especially popular person.
- 3
A popular entertainer, usually young, captivating and attractive, and often female, with an image of being close to fans.
- Tom Cruise is his idol.
- Sachin Tendulkar is Rohan's idol.
- 4
An eidolon or phantom; a misleading or elusive image or representation.obsolete
syn. pagod · pagoda