idea
noun
ī-ˈdē-ə 
-ˈdēə,
also
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-ə
or ˈī-dē
1
: a formulated thought or opinion
2
: whatever is known or supposed about something
a child's idea of time
3
: the central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation
4
5
a
: an entity (such as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness
b
: an indefinite or unformed conception
c
obsolete
: an image recalled by memory
6
Christian Science
: an image in Mind
7
archaic
: a visible representation of a conception : a replica of a pattern
Synonyms
Examples of idea in a Sentence
My idea is to study law.
Starting her own business seemed like a good idea at the time, but it turned out badly.
Whose idea was it to leave so early?
My idea was that if we left early we could beat the crowd.
Buying the car was a bad idea.
I have some ideas for redecorating the room.
He has an idea for a movie.
I'm not sure what to do next. Do you have any ideas?
She's always full of new ideas.
It's a good idea to talk to people who have actually been there.
Recent Examples on the Web
The one obvious candidate blending the two talents is GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp, who greatly streamlined GE’s manufacturing engine, frequently touring the assembly lines in person and swapping ideas for moving parts faster and safer with welders and machinists.
—
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024
The organizers had initially resisted that idea but changed course after several fans expressed concerns about health and proper hydration at the outdoor event.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2024
Kids of all ages wore the sunglasses on sunny and overcast days to get an idea of protection in various weather conditions.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
Even the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board flagged this as a bad idea.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
What was the initial idea that sparked this dialogue with the place and its architecture?
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
Obviously, there is Offerman’s fascistic president who is serving a third term and has disbanded the FBI—two things similar to ideas Trump has wondered aloud about in the past.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2024
Rather than, like everyone else, seeking out youth, might a music director with a little actual experience prove to be the most radical idea for the current needs of the most radical major orchestra?
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Even more surprising than the April Fools' Day prank was not all commenters thought the flavor was a bad idea.
—The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2024
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024
The organizers had initially resisted that idea but changed course after several fans expressed concerns about health and proper hydration at the outdoor event.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2024
Kids of all ages wore the sunglasses on sunny and overcast days to get an idea of protection in various weather conditions.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
Even the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board flagged this as a bad idea.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024
What was the initial idea that sparked this dialogue with the place and its architecture?
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
Obviously, there is Offerman’s fascistic president who is serving a third term and has disbanded the FBI—two things similar to ideas Trump has wondered aloud about in the past.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 12 Apr. 2024
Rather than, like everyone else, seeking out youth, might a music director with a little actual experience prove to be the most radical idea for the current needs of the most radical major orchestra?
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Even more surprising than the April Fools' Day prank was not all commenters thought the flavor was a bad idea.
—The Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing idea
Articles Related to idea
Dictionary Entries Near idea
Cite this Entry
“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idea. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
idea
noun
ī-ˈdē-ə
ˈīd-(ˌ)ē-ə
1
: a plan of action : intention
my idea is to study law
2
: something imagined or pictured in the mind : notion
form an idea of a place from reading
3
: a central meaning or purpose
the idea of the game is to score goals
4
: comprehension sense 2
had no idea what he meant
5
: an opinion or belief
has some strange ideas
Medical Definition
idea
noun1
: an entity (as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness
2
: a formulated thought or opinion
More from Merriam-Webster on idea
Nglish: Translation of idea for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of idea for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idea
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