icon

Everyday

1. An icon is a small picture on a computer, tablet or phone screen that you click or tap to open an app or do something. tree →
2. (church) An icon is a holy painting of Jesus, Mary or a saint, especially in Orthodox churches, used to help prayer. tree →
3. An icon is a very famous person or thing that stands for an idea or time: «a fashion icon», «a national icon». tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons pupils click icons and design their own. In religious education, Orthodox Christians pray before icons and light candles. In everyday talk, a famous singer or a landmark like the Sydney Opera House is an icon. Phrases: «click the icon», «a pop icon», «a cultural icon», «an icon of Saint Nicholas».

Examples

• Click the printer icon to print your work. tree →
• The Orthodox church was full of golden icons. tree →
• Grandma kisses the icon of Mary when she prays. tree →
• The Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris. tree →
• She is a fashion icon for many young people. tree →
• Tap the camera icon to take a photo. tree →
• The red double-decker bus is a London icon. tree →

Note

Countable; «an icon» (starts with a vowel sound). Adjective: iconic (very famous and typical). Spelling: i-c-o-n, not «ikon» (an old spelling still seen for church icons).