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idyll

noun
\ ˈī-dᵊl How to pronounce idyll (audio) , British usually ˈi-(ˌ)dil\
variants: or less commonly idyl

Definition of idyll

1a : a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment
b : a narrative poem (such as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic, or tragic theme
2a : a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll
b : a romantic interlude
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about idyll

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Examples of idyll in a Sentence

her year as a vineyard worker in the south of France was not the idyll that she had expected it to be

Recent Examples on the Web

 The idyll ended when he was ordered home to attend Kim Il Sung Military University, named for his grandfather and founder of the totalitarian state. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: ‘The Great Successor’ paints a macabre portrait of Kim Jong Un," 24 Aug. 2019 For Bond fans: Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Cutting a dash on the water, Caresse looks like the sort of idyll James Bond might drift around at mission’s end. — Chris Leadbeater, National Geographic, "Discover Turkey’s under-the-radar seaside paradise," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idyll.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of idyll

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for idyll

Latin idyllium, from Greek eidyllion, from diminutive of eidos form; akin to Greek idein to see — more at wit

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More Definitions for idyll

idyll

noun
How to pronounce idyll (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of idyll

literary
: a simple poem or other piece of writing that describes peaceful country life
: a happy and enjoyable scene or experience

See the full definition for idyll in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on idyll

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with idyll

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for idyll

Spanish Central: Translation of idyll

Nglish: Translation of idyll for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of idyll for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idyll

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