Iconic
/aɪˈkɒnɪk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjRelating to, or having the characteristics of, an icon.
adjDistinctive, characteristic, indicative of identity.
Sentence Examples
The E-type Jaguar was an iconic sports car in the 1960s.
Sami said that was a truly iconic moment of his life.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The Eiffel Tower is an ____ landmark that is known all over the world.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most ____ and recognizable landmarks in the entire world today.
Word Origin & History
From Late Latin īconicus, from Ancient Greek εἰκονικός (eikonikós). By surface analysis, icon + -ic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"And although we’ve certainly seen a variety of blue shades — from periwinkle to cobalt and even Dean Cain’s indigo-washed costume from the 1990’s TV show “Lois & Clark” — Superman’s uniform is still instantly recognizable across generations. In fact, there is only one film — Zack Snyder’s 2013 “Man of Steel” — in which Superman does not wear his iconic red belted trunks."
— 2025 February 21, Leah Dolan, “How the Superman ‘S’ became fashion’s favorite logo”, in CNN:
"For younger musicians, Coltrane’s death became one of those iconic events that stays vividly in the mind."
— 1983, J. K. Chambers, Milestones, New York: Beech Tree Books, →ISBN, page 111:
"She angrily turned, giving me my favorite view, that iconic view of a woman from the rear."
— 1986, John Updike, Roger's Version, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, →ISBN, page 306:
"In time The Simpsons would, indeed, resort to spoofing such decidedly non-spooktacular fare like E.T and Mr. And Mrs. Smith (both in “Treehouse Of Horror XVIII”) but in 1992 the field was wide-open and the show could cherry-pick the most iconic and beloved fright fare of all time."
— 2012 April 29, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Treehouse of Horror III” (season 4, episode 5; originally aired 10/29/1992)”, in AV Club, archived from the original on 15 Aug 2012:
""We did look at building a new bridge, but this is an iconic structure," says Network Rail Project Manager Michael Bryan."
— 2020 August 12, Andrew Mourant, “The tide is turning for a Victorian wonder”, in Rail, page 50:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The Eiffel Tower is an ____ landmark that is known all over the world.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most ____ and recognizable landmarks in the entire world today.