iconic
adjective
icon·ic ī-ˈkä-nik 
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon
2
a
: widely recognized and well-established
an iconic brand name
b
: widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence
an iconic writer
a region's iconic wines
iconically
ī-ˈkä-ni-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Did you know?
The original meaning of iconic was essentially "resembling an icon," but today it often describes what is so admired that it could be the subject of an icon. And with that use, iconic has become part of the language of advertising and publicity: companies and magazines and TV hosts encourage us to think of some consumer item or pop star or show as first-rate or immortal or flawless—absolutely "iconic"—when that person or thing is actually simply widely known and—they assert—distinctively excellent.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Then come back later for a bowl of Erik Bentz’s Cincinnati-style ramen, an ingenious dish that fuses the iconic local chili and a generous pile of shredded cheddar with chewy dipping noodles. 
The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 These sartorial paradigms would guide Her Majesty through ten decades, transforming her wardrobe from childhood to adulthood, in youth, and in middle and old age into an iconic outward expression of continuity and stability. Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 Queen Elizabeth II, whose lifetime coincided with the rise of Disney, was as recognizable as one of its iconic characters. Rory Satran, WSJ, 8 Sep. 2022 Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is iconic, as is Janet Leigh's wonderfully-convincing woman on the run. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 30 Aug. 2022 The look was so iconic, fashion designer Zuhair Murad ended up recreating the gown for Barbie. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 25 Aug. 2022 Fans of Shania are well aware that the singer knows a thing or two about stage performance and ever since the 90s, her fashion choices have been absolutely iconic. Chaise Sanders, Country Living, 14 Aug. 2022 Blek himself cites Richard Hambleton as a major inspiration, and Hambleton’s stenciled depictions of crime scenes on the streets of New York are considered by many to be similarly iconic. Steven Sulley, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 The color purple has always been iconic, from Barney the dinosaur to Lady Gaga’s House of Gucci U.K. premiere gown. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2022 See More
The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 8 Sep. 2022 These sartorial paradigms would guide Her Majesty through ten decades, transforming her wardrobe from childhood to adulthood, in youth, and in middle and old age into an iconic outward expression of continuity and stability. Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2022 Queen Elizabeth II, whose lifetime coincided with the rise of Disney, was as recognizable as one of its iconic characters. Rory Satran, WSJ, 8 Sep. 2022 Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is iconic, as is Janet Leigh's wonderfully-convincing woman on the run. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 30 Aug. 2022 The look was so iconic, fashion designer Zuhair Murad ended up recreating the gown for Barbie. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 25 Aug. 2022 Fans of Shania are well aware that the singer knows a thing or two about stage performance and ever since the 90s, her fashion choices have been absolutely iconic. Chaise Sanders, Country Living, 14 Aug. 2022 Blek himself cites Richard Hambleton as a major inspiration, and Hambleton’s stenciled depictions of crime scenes on the streets of New York are considered by many to be similarly iconic. Steven Sulley, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 The color purple has always been iconic, from Barney the dinosaur to Lady Gaga’s House of Gucci U.K. premiere gown. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1