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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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

“The consumer is looking for iconic Calvin, starting with iconic underwear and iconic denim. The most-sold denim style right now is the 1990s fit.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Bridget Armstrong explains how the iconic reality show exploited the promise of a career to make reality TV gold.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

An "iconic" ferry that crossed on the River Mersey for 66 years has set sail on its final voyage.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

The iconic NFL franchise is searching for a new home—and it could wind up across the border in an entirely new state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

My friends and I had rejected most of the societal norms of high school, but we still bought into the iconic powers of formal dances.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

• archetypal
• epochal
• exemplary