symbolism

noun

sym·​bol·​ism ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations: such as

a

: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states

b

: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits

2

: a system of symbols or representations

Examples of symbolism in a Sentence

The story was filled with religious symbolism.

Recent Examples on the Web

But even beyond the symbolism of CEOs coming together steps away from where Thompson was murdered, this CEO Summit took place against the backdrop of President-elect Trump’s return to office. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024

The symbolism of Belém, situated at the edge of the Amazon rainforest, is apt. —Nils Rokke, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The symbolism of the cathedral’s fire was unmistakable. —Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024

The symbolism was impossible to ignore: The Syrian regime’s brutal reconquest of that very city in 2016 had demonstrated Russia’s military effectiveness. —Nicole Grajewski, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

symbolism

noun

sym·​bol·​ism ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm 

1

: the art or practice of using symbols

2

: a system of symbols or representations

Medical Definition

symbolism

noun

sym·​bol·​ism ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm 

: the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations