adjective
Uncommon
iconic
eye-KO-nihk
Iconic (adjective) means Widely recognised as a symbol or perfect representative example of something. Example: “The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.”
adjective
1
Widely recognised as a symbol or perfect representative example of something.
"The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world."
"That guitar riff is iconic — everyone recognises it instantly."
"The red telephone box has become an iconic image of British streets."
How to use iconic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo famous and distinctive that it represents its whole category.
Common mistake
Overused in casual speech to mean simply "great" or "memorable" — in careful writing, save it for things that genuinely became symbols.
Common pairings
iconic status
iconic image
truly iconic
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more iconic
- Superlative
- most iconic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most _____ landmarks in the world.
Etymology
From Late Latin iconicus, going back to Ancient Greek eikōn ("image"); related to "icon".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for iconic
See all rhymes for iconic →Frequently asked questions
What does “iconic” mean?
The word “iconic” means widely recognised as a symbol or perfect representative example of something. In plain terms, so famous and distinctive that it represents its whole category.
How do you pronounce “iconic”?
“Iconic” is pronounced eye-KO-nihk (/aɪˈkɑnɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “iconic” in a sentence?
Here is “iconic” used in a sentence: “The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.”
What part of speech is “iconic”?
“Iconic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “iconic” come from?
The word “iconic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin iconicus, going back to Ancient Greek eikōn ("image"); related to "icon".
Is “iconic” a common word?
“Iconic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "iconic" and "famous"?
"Famous" simply means widely known, while "iconic" means widely recognised as a symbol or perfect example of something. An iconic image or figure represents an idea or era, rather than just being well known.
What is the difference between "iconic" and "legendary"?
"Legendary" emphasises remarkable fame and greatness, often built over time, while "iconic" emphasises being an instantly recognisable symbol. A performance can be legendary for its quality and iconic for what it comes to represent.
Is it correct to call something new "iconic"?
Traditionally, "iconic" describes things recognised over time as enduring symbols, so calling something brand new iconic can seem premature or exaggerated. In casual speech, however, it is increasingly used to mean simply impressive or memorable.
What nouns commonly go with "iconic"?
Frequent pairings include "iconic image," "iconic status," "iconic landmark," "iconic brand," and "iconic figure." The word usually describes people, places, or images that symbolise something larger.
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