iconic
Americanadjective
-
widely considered to epitomize an era, culture, community, place, etc.; representative.
The iconic figure of punk rock reunited with her bandmates for a final performance.
We boarded one of London’s iconic double-decker buses.
-
celebrated, revered, or idolized.
The cheesesteak has iconic status in Philly.
She's worn some of the most iconic gowns ever to grace the red carpet.
-
Eastern Church. of or relating to a representation of some sacred personage or event, such as Christ or a saint or the Resurrection, painted usually on a wood surface and venerated for its subject.
-
Art. (of statues, portraits, etc.) executed according to a convention or tradition.
Usage
What does iconic mean? If something or someone is considered iconic, they're very influential, recognizable, and revered, e.g., Rembrandt is an iconic painter.
Other Word Forms
- iconically adverb
- iconicity noun
Etymology
Origin of iconic
First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin īconicus, from Greek eikonikós, from eikon- (stem of eikṓn ) icon + -ikos -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Copper wire thefts have wrought havoc in Los Angeles, darkening the iconic 6th Street Bridge and nearby neighborhoods, cutting off phone access to emergency services for residents, and causing internet outages.
From Los Angeles Times
"It means a lot and I am very privileged and honoured to accept it," said the former player, who was a part of the iconic 1988 Five Nations Triple Crown-winning team.
From BBC
Torvill and Dean won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo with perfect marks for an instantly iconic performance set to Maurice Ravel's Bolero.
From BBC
With the iconic Comedy Cellar at its heart, he found the key to unlocking that — by casting several of the real-life comedians who regularly take the stage there.
From Los Angeles Times
The property has become the stuff of legend over the years—particularly its iconic green-and-red Christmas decor that has prompted some to hail it the perfect festive house.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
