Spanish word

ídolo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈiðolo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounidol

Example

Mi ídolo es Shakira.

My idol is Shakira.

Illustration for ídolo (idol)

More examples

Se convirtió en ídolo de toda una generación.

He became an idol of an entire generation.

Core concept

Famous entertainer or athlete admired and followed by many fans.

Common phrases

  • mi ídolo

    my idol

  • ser un ídolo

    be an idol

  • convertirse en ídolo

    become an idol

Similar words

estrella: Prominent entertainer or public personality noted for frequent visibility and praise.
celebridad: Well-known individual whose recognition comes mainly from media coverage.
icono: Iconic figure whose image or achievements symbolize shared cultural values.

Definition in Spanish

Persona famosa a la que muchas personas admiran y siguen, sobre todo en el mundo del espectáculo, la música o el deporte.

Word origin

From Greek eidolon 'image, phantom' via Latin idolum, Spanish ídolo denotes a person admired and followed by many.

Usage tips

  • The written accent on the i marks stress on the first syllable (ídolo), and while it is common for favorite performers it can also carry the literal sense of idol worship in religious contexts.

Other meanings

  • iconnoun
  • starnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • idolizaridolizeverb
  • idolatríaidolatrynoun
  • idolizadoidolizedadjective

Word lists with this word