n. 1. a. A short poem or prose piece depicting a rural or pastoral scene, usually in idealized terms. b. A narrative poem treating an epic or romantic theme. 2. A scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature. 3. a. A carefree episode or experience: a summer idyll on the coast of France. b. A romantic interlude. [Latin īdyllium, from Greek eidullion, diminutive of eidos, form, figure; see weid- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.