Definition

1. Noun:
   • A religious image or representation: Specifically, a sacred image or painting, typically of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a saint, used as an object of veneration in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is traditionally painted on a wooden panel.
   • An image, symbol, or representation: A visual depiction or likeness of an object, scene, person, or abstract concept. In a broader, modern sense, it can refer to any iconic image, symbol, or person widely recognized and revered.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The ancient ikon of the Virgin Mary is displayed in the cathedral. (The sacred painting of the Virgin Mary is displayed in the cathedral.)
  • The photograph became an ikon of the peace movement. (The photograph became a powerful symbol of the peace movement.)
  • In digital design, an ikon is a small pictorial symbol. (In digital design, an icon is a small pictorial symbol.)

Advanced Usage

• "Cultural ikon": A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol, especially of a culture or movement.
  • The singer is considered a cultural ikon. (The singer is considered a cultural symbol.)
• "To achieve ikon status": To become widely recognized and revered as the most important or typical of its kind.
  • That car model has achieved ikon status among collectors. (That car model has become a revered symbol among collectors.)

Variants and Related Words

• Icon (n): The standard and more common modern spelling of "ikon." Both words are pronounced the same and have identical meanings.
• Iconic (adj): Relating to or of the nature of an icon; widely recognized and well-established.
  • The building has an iconic design. (The building has a famously symbolic design.)
• Iconography (n): The visual images, symbols, or modes of representation collectively associated with a subject, especially in religious or artistic contexts.
  • The iconography of ancient Egypt is fascinating. (The system of symbols in ancient Egyptian art is fascinating.)

Synonyms

• Image: A representation of the form of a person or object.
• Symbol: A thing that represents or stands for something else.
• Idol: An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship; can also mean a person who is greatly admired.
• Effigy: A sculpture or model of a person.
• Representation: The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way.

Related Phrases

• Living ikon: A person who is seen as the perfect example of a particular quality or idea.
  • She is a living ikon of elegance. (She is the perfect example of elegance.)
• Ikon of pop culture: A symbol or figure that is quintessentially representative of popular culture.
  • The cartoon character is an ikon of pop culture. (The cartoon character is a quintessential symbol of popular culture.)

Related Idioms

• To be set on a pedestal/Ikonized: To be admired or respected so much that people treat you as if you are perfect. (Note: The verb form "iconize" is derived from "icon," the more common spelling.)
  • Famous artists are often iconized by the public. (Famous artists are often revered as perfect symbols by the public.)

Noun

1. a conventional religious painting in oil on a small wooden panel; venerated in the Eastern Church
2. a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
   • they showed us the pictures of their wedding
   • a movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them