icon
9 synonyms for icon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small picture or symbol on a screen that represents a program, file, or action.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use icon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
click the icon
a fashion icon
religious icon
Etymology
From Ancient Greek eikōn, meaning "likeness" or "image" — the religious sense came first, and the computing sense only arrived in the 1980s with graphical interfaces.
Full origin of icon →Frequently asked questions
What does “icon” mean?
The word “icon” means a small picture or symbol on a screen that represents a program, file, or action. In plain terms, a small on-screen symbol, or — used more loosely — someone or something famous enough to be a symbol of a whole style or generation.
How do you pronounce “icon”?
“Icon” is pronounced EYE-kon (/ˈaɪ.kɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “icon” in a sentence?
Here is “icon” used in a sentence: “She tapped the mail icon to check her inbox.”
What part of speech is “icon”?
“Icon” is a noun.
Where does the word “icon” come from?
The word “icon” dates back to around 1980 and comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek eikōn, meaning "likeness" or "image" — the religious sense came first, and the computing sense only arrived in the 1980s with graphical interfaces.
Is “icon” a common word?
“Icon” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “icon” have?
“Icon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small picture or symbol on a screen that represents a program, file, or action.
What is the difference between an "icon" on a screen and an "icon" as a famous person?
On a computer or phone, an icon is a small picture or symbol that represents a program, file, or action. When describing a person, an icon is someone so famous and admired that they come to represent a whole category or era. The word bridges a tiny visual symbol and a towering cultural figure.
What is the difference between an "icon" and a "logo"?
An icon is a small symbol that stands for a program, file, or action, often clicked to open something. A logo is a design that identifies a specific brand or company. An icon can be part of a logo, but its main job is to represent a function you interact with.
