idyllic
Americanadjective
-
(of a setting or event) suitable for or suggestive of pastoral literature or art, which portrays an idealized scene of peace, charm, and rustic simplicity.
You won't find a more idyllic spot for a wedding.
-
relating to or characteristic of an idyll, a mode of literature or art which portrays an idealized rustic life of peace, charm, and simplicity.
The painting’s every detail fulfills the idyllic trope of a bounteous natural world freely offering itself.
adjective
-
of or relating to an idyll
-
charming; picturesque
Other Word Forms
- idyllically adverb
- nonidyllic adjective
- nonidyllically adverb
- unidyllic adjective
Etymology
Origin of idyllic
Explanation
A week at the beach that goes perfectly is an idyllic vacation. Idyllic means so wonderful it seems almost magical. Are you having an idyllic childhood? You may not think so now, but in your old age, you may remember your days as a youngster as simple and carefree. The clear, blue water of the Caribbean Sea, the beautiful village perched on a cliffside, the sunny grassy field of wildflowers, these are all idylls — simple peaceful scenes — that you may or may not find idyllic.
Vocabulary lists containing idyllic
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Perched on Long Island's idyllic South Shore, it is just an hour's journey via train from Manhattan.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
Folan would often describe her early years of marriage and motherhood, in an idyllic white house in a tawny Connecticut suburb, as looking blissful on the surface.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
The move is risky, and it will be quarrelsome — especially for those who still see Zendaya as an idyllic Disney star, despite her respectable penchant for complicated characters.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
The most widespread Olympic Games in history showcased Italy’s idyllic snow-capped mountains, cutting-edge city life and celebrated winter legacy in the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Games on Friday.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026
The walls of the room facing the theater were covered with a parade of young people in medieval costumes dancing, playing, and talking with one another in an idyllic country setting.
From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
