Iconic
/aɪˈkɒnɪk/
Definitions
Widely known and readily recognized, often representing an important concept or historical moment.
/aɪˈkɒnɪk/
Widely recognized and representative of something.
Marilyn Monroe was an iconic figure in the 1950s.
💡 Simply: Imagine something super famous, like the Golden Gate Bridge or a famous actor, or singer – everyone knows it and it's a great symbol of something. That's iconic!
👶 For kids: When something is iconic, it means everyone knows it and thinks it's really special, like a famous superhero.
More Examples
The band's logo became an iconic symbol of the era.
The Mona Lisa is an iconic painting.
How It's Used
"The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark of Paris."
"The little black dress is an iconic piece of clothing."
"The photograph became an iconic image of the Vietnam War."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Iconic moment
A significant and memorable event or happening that is widely recognized and remembered.
"Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon was an iconic moment in human history."
From Greek eikōn, meaning 'image' or 'likeness,' which passed through Latin and French before entering English. Initially associated with religious images, it expanded to represent anything widely recognized and symbolic.
Initially used in religious contexts, the term gradually expanded in the 20th century to include images, objects, and people that are widely recognized and representative of something.
Memory tip
Think of an *icon* on your computer, something you instantly recognize. *Iconic* things are the same!
Word Origin
"image, likeness"