iconic

Everyday

1. Very famous and seen as a symbol of something, so everyone recognises it. tree →
2. (computers, art) To do with icons or pictures that stand for something. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk and the news «iconic» describes famous places, songs, outfits or people — the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, a red London bus. It is overused in adverts. In church history, icons are holy pictures, especially in Orthodox churches. Phrases: «an iconic building», «an iconic moment».

Examples

• The Sydney Opera House is an iconic building. tree →
• The red phone box is iconic of Britain. tree →
• That goal was an iconic moment in football history. tree →
• Her yellow raincoat became iconic. tree →
• The Statue of Liberty is iconic of New York. tree →
• Adverts call everything «iconic» these days. tree →

Note

Use «an»: an iconic... From «icon». Often overused; «famous» or «well-known» is plainer.