Icon

n.capable, hopefuleveryday

Meaning 1

A person admired as an outstanding and enduring representative of a field or ideal.

Reach for it when honoring someone whose reputation has become larger than one achievement

The pioneering climber became an icon of patient, low-impact exploration.

everyday
celebrity
fame itself is the relevant fact
not when Celebrity says nothing about excellence, influence, or enduring respect.
warm
legend
a celebrated person's story has acquired lasting renown
not when Legend can exaggerate achievement or imply that the account is partly mythical.
warm
role model
the person's conduct offers an example to follow
not when A role model may be little known, while an icon is publicly recognizable.
formal
luminary
a distinguished expert gives a field intellectual prestige
not when Luminary sounds ceremonial and does not suit popular culture naturally.

A sign or image that represents an idea, action, or object.

Reach for it when naming a compact visual symbol in design or cultural discussion

A small leaf icon marks every route with accessible shade.

professional
pictogram
a simplified picture communicates practical information
not when Pictogram is too technical for a revered cultural image.
professional
symbol
representation matters more than visual resemblance
not when Symbol can be abstract, while an icon is usually a concrete image.
formal
emblem
an established device represents a group or quality
not when Emblem suggests official or heraldic use that a screen icon lacks.

cultural icon
The singer became a cultural icon without abandoning her regional style.
design icon
The chair remains a design icon because its structure is both clear and useful.
click the icon
Click the icon beside a route to hear its spoken description.
screen icon
The screen icon changes shape when the microphone is muted.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.