icon
EYE-kon
Icon (noun) means a small picture or symbol on a screen that represents a program, file, or action. Example: “Click the small cog icon in the corner to open the settings.”
noun
1
A small picture or symbol on a screen that represents a program, file, or action.
"Click the small cog icon in the corner to open the settings."
"She tapped the mail icon to check her inbox."
"The app's icon is a simple blue circle."
2
A person or thing so famous and admired that it comes to represent a whole category or era.
"She remains a fashion icon, and designers still copy her style."
"The singer became a cultural icon after that one performance."
"The red phone box is an icon of British design."
3
A religious painting, typically of a saint or holy figure, especially in Eastern Orthodox tradition.
"The monk kneeled before an icon of the Virgin Mary and lit a candle."
"In the monastery chapel, a painted icon hung beside the altar."
"The church displayed a gold-leafed icon of Saint George."
How to use icon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small on-screen symbol, or — used more loosely — someone or something famous enough to be a symbol of a whole style or generation.
Common pairings
click the icon
a fashion icon
religious icon
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Word forms
- Plural
- icons
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Click the small cog _____ in the corner to open the settings.
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.
Class of 1980
icon joined the language around 1980.
See the full Class of 1980 →
Related words
Rhymes for icon
See all rhymes for 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.
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