Skip to main content

iconicwidely recognized and well-established; representing something famous or characteristic

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: widely recognized and well-established; representing something famous or characteristic

Pronunciation (IPA): /aɪˈkɑːnɪk/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother's kimchi recipe became iconic in our neighborhood - even aliens would travel light-years to taste it!
  • The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris.
  • Steve Jobs' black turtleneck became so iconic that even my pet turtle started wearing one.

iconic

ADJECTIVE

[/aɪˈkɑːnɪk/]

widely recognized and well-established; representing something famous or characteristic

The singer’s iconic performance changed the history of pop culture forever.
💡 Concept

The singer’s iconic performance changed the history of pop culture forever.

The tower became an iconic landmark recognized around the world. (ICON + LEGEND = ICONIC)
🧠 Mnemonic

The tower became an iconic landmark recognized around the world. (ICON + LEGEND = ICONIC)

The iconic photograph became symbolic of an entire generation and deeply nostalgic years later.
🎵 Rhyme

The iconic photograph became symbolic of an entire generation and deeply nostalgic years later.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/aɪˈkɑːnɪk/
🇬🇧 UK/aɪˈkɒnɪk/

🌳Etymology

Rooticon
Suffix--ic

Origin

The word derives from Greek 'eikon' (image, form), which referred to sacred religious images or icons. The adjective suffix '-ic' was added to create 'iconic,' originally denoting something resembling or relating to religious icons, but has evolved in modern usage to mean symbolically representative or culturally significant.

Breakdown

icon (from Greek eikon, meaning image or form) + -ic (adjective-forming suffix meaning 'of or relating to').

🎵Rhyme

chronicsonictonic
chronic
sonic
tonic

🔗Collocations

iconic figure
iconic building
iconic brand
iconic movie
iconic status
become iconic

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My grandmother's kimchi recipe became iconic in our neighborhood - even aliens would travel light-years to taste it!

The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris.

😄 Fun example

Steve Jobs' black turtleneck became so iconic that even my pet turtle started wearing one.

This painting will become iconic in art history.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

legendarysymbolicrepresentativeclassicemblematic

Antonyms

unknownordinaryobscure

Related

iconsymbolrepresentativefamouscharacteristic

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.