symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
symbolizer noun

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Catalonia’s Tourism Board says the log symbolizes the spirit of the forest, as well as protection and fertility, and helps to teach children patience. Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 The bright star at the apex symbolizes hope for the holiday. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The color that symbolizes passion, richness, ambition, and sophistication is an apt choice to pair with a variety of colors — neutrals, neons and pastels, too — however, nothing is quite as striking as a head-to-toe cherry coded concoction. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024 The oversize volume symbolizes her commodious royal position in society. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for symbolize 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near symbolize

Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
: to serve as a symbol of
symbolization
ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants also British symbolise
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

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