iconic

American  

[ahy-kon-ik] / aɪˈkɒn ɪk /

Also iconical

adjective

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Art. (of statues, portraits, etc.) executed according to a convention or tradition.

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iconic British  

/ aɪˈkɒnɪk /

adjective

1. relating to, resembling, or having the character of an icon

2. (of memorial sculptures, esp those depicting athletes of ancient Greece) having a fixed conventional style

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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

Explanation

Something that is iconic is characteristic of an icon — an image, emblem, idol, or hero. Audrey Hepburn was widely admired for her iconic style, her great fashion taste. Iconic often describes something or someone that is considered symbolic of something else, like spirituality, virtue, or evil and corruption. The iconic Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom. Michelangelo's iconic statue of David was supposed to represent anatomical perfection. In Christianity, the Virgin Mary is an iconic image of purity and closeness to God.

Example Sentences

Those who recognise the surname may remember David Wilkie as one of the most iconic British Olympians of his era.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep, from rallying for the return of Hi-C Orange Lavaburst to coining the iconic ‘Spicy Sprite,’” McDonald’s said in a statement to Barron’s.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her "one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Lawrence Bennett wasn’t only a guardian of the green jackets — the iconic garment of Augusta National — but he also oversaw their cremation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

In more recent years, a reluctant consensus has emerged among musicians that Leningrad may not be Shostakovich’s best symphony, despite its iconic status.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• archetypal
• epochal
• exemplary