iconic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "iconic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something (or someone) that is so well known that it is regarded as an icon, or symbol, of a certain idea, concept, or time period. You can use it to describe a person, thing, or event that is widely recognised and remembered for its cultural significance. Example sentence: The Mona Lisa is one of the most iconic works of art in history.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Film

Music

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The dredging is to make way for the ships as they weave their way through the Great Barrier Reef – a wondrous icon of the blue planet that doubles as the world's most iconic coal shipping lane.

The Guardian

He noted "that once hollowed-out city centres are thriving again, with growing universities, iconic museums and cultural events, and with huge improvements to the quality of life".

The Guardian

A sort of photographic antithesis of Bobby Moore's post shirt-swap embrace with Pelé in 1970, it is one of the iconic World Cup images.

The Guardian - Sport

Shirley Temple sings On The Good Ship Lollipop As a child Temple's popularity rocketed during the 1930s when she became a iconic figure of America's economic woes.

The Guardian - Film

Set up by some of the team from the iconic Buoyancy club nights, Alfresco Disco pride themselves on putting on nights that promote a free-spirited vibe, away from the shackles that can often restrict inner-city clubs.

The Guardian - Music

New this year is an adventure in and around the Binevenagh area of outstanding natural beauty, with kayaking on the Roe river and mountain biking on Binevenagh mountain, finishing on the shore below iconic Mussenden Temple.

The Guardian - Travel

Whenever the wrap dress, Von Furstenberg's most iconic creation, plays a starring role in a collection it seems to symbolise that she herself is the protagonist of the season's story.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

June 12 , 1944This triumphal reel includes many of the iconic scenes of the invasion, including soldiers preparing to step out of Higgins boats and the scene of two soldiers being shot on the beach.

The Guardian

"The series is iconic, an international phenomenon and an historic institution – so when I arrived at Lancaster University, I was surprised a society didn't exist!" He says: "The 50th anniversary of the show was approaching and my uni was nearing it's 50th year, so I developed a six-month plan to create a society for Whovians".

The Guardian

As the school day draws to a close, Kalavathi gathers the children under the shade of the school's iconic Flame tree or 'Gulmohar' in Hindi.

The Guardian

Carb-free diets Prada has bought iconic Milanese bakery Pasticceria Marchesi.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "iconic" to describe subjects instantly recognizable and deeply associated with specific cultural or historical significance. Avoid using it for things that are merely popular or well-liked.

Common error

Avoid using "iconic" as a general term for anything popular or trendy. Reserve it for subjects that have truly lasting and widespread cultural significance. Otherwise, consider alternatives like "popular", "well-known", or "famous".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "iconic" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective, describing nouns and bestowing upon them the quality of being widely recognized and representative. Ludwig AI, like the examples, confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Film

8%

Music

7%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "iconic" is a powerful descriptor, used to elevate something beyond mere popularity to the realm of cultural symbolism. As Ludwig AI and its examples demonstrate, it signifies deep recognition and representation. While its usage is grammatically correct and widespread, it's best reserved for subjects of genuine and lasting significance, avoiding overuse. When considering semantically similar terms, alternatives like "representative" or "emblematic" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its proper context and potential alternatives, writers can effectively leverage the impact of "iconic" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emblematic

Implies a strong association with a particular quality or concept.

representative

Focuses on the act of standing for or symbolizing something else.

quintessential

Highlights the idea of being a perfect or typical example.

archetypal

Suggests a fundamental or universally recognized pattern or model.

classic

Emphasizes enduring quality and recognition over time.

legendary

Highlights the fame and admiration associated with something.

famous

Simply indicates widespread recognition.

well-known

Similar to famous, but with less emphasis on admiration or importance.

notable

Highlights importance and worthiness of attention.

memorable

Focuses on the quality of being easily remembered.

FAQs

How can I use "iconic" in a sentence?

You can use "iconic" to describe something that is widely recognized and representative of a particular culture or time period. For example, "The Eiffel Tower is an "iconic" landmark in Paris".

What's the difference between "iconic" and "famous"?

"Famous" simply means widely known, while "iconic" implies that something is not only well-known but also deeply representative and symbolic. An "iconic" image, for example, carries significant cultural meaning beyond just being recognized.

What can I say instead of "iconic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "representative", "emblematic", or "quintessential".

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "iconic"?

Yes, it is appropriate to describe a person as "iconic" if they are widely recognized and representative of a particular movement, profession, or era. For example, "Marilyn Monroe is an "iconic" figure of the 1950s".