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idyllic

American  
[ahy-dil-ik] / aɪˈdɪl ɪk /

adjective

  1. (of a setting or event) suitable for or suggestive of pastoral literature or art, which portrays an idealized scene of peace, charm, and rustic simplicity.

    You won't find a more idyllic spot for a wedding.

    Synonyms:
    arcadian, pastoral, sylvan
  2. relating to or characteristic of an idyll, a mode of literature or art which portrays an idealized rustic life of peace, charm, and simplicity.

    The painting’s every detail fulfills the idyllic trope of a bounteous natural world freely offering itself.


idyllic British  
/ aɪ-, ɪˈdɪlɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to an idyll

  2. charming; picturesque

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of idyllic

First recorded in 1855–60; idyll + -ic

Explanation

A week at the beach that goes perfectly is an idyllic vacation. Idyllic means so wonderful it seems almost magical. Are you having an idyllic childhood? You may not think so now, but in your old age, you may remember your days as a youngster as simple and carefree. The clear, blue water of the Caribbean Sea, the beautiful village perched on a cliffside, the sunny grassy field of wildflowers, these are all idylls — simple peaceful scenes — that you may or may not find idyllic.

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Vocabulary lists containing idyllic

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.

But not all is well outside of this idyllic “Minecraft” world on Weaver’s gaming computer.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

Driving along I-65 from Indianapolis to West Lafayette, he passed by idyllic farmland and gentle rolling hills.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

CHONGQING, China — Three years ago, in the idyllic town of Woodside south of San Francisco, the United States and China held their first high-level talks on the dangers posed by artificial intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

"The coastline is idyllic, it's just not got the temperatures," David says.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

By the time Mrs. Richardson’s mother, Caroline, was born in 1931, things were less rural but no less idyllic.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

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