adjective
iconic
eye-KAH-nik/aɪˈkɑːnɪk/
Serving as a recognizable visual representation.
The Eiffel Tower's iconic silhouette is instantly associated with Paris.
Etymology
Originally meaning “pertaining to an image or portrait,” iconic now describes something that functions as a distinctive, widely recognized image of a larger subject.
In context
here we are a kind of focal point for religious life in America when we need to gather as a people Washington National Cathedral is one of the places an iconic place where we can see our nation unified
More examples
- The dove is an iconic image of peace.
- An iconic maple leaf appears on Canada's flag.
- The poster uses the city's iconic skyline to represent local pride.
Forms
iconic
icon noun — A recognizable image representing something else.
Similar words
- emblematic
- Emphasizes representing a particular quality, group, or idea.
- symbolic
- Represents an idea without necessarily using a recognizable image.
- pictorial
- Uses pictures for representation, without implying widespread recognition.