symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism

symbolizer noun

Synonyms

• emblematize
• represent

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

But one play symbolized where Cunningham and Edwards and their teams are right now. —Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

My birthday now symbolizes one of the darkest days in American history. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2025

The pandemic exposed some of the vulnerabilities of this dependence, with empty shelves symbolizing a fragile supply chain reliant on foreign manufacturers. —Onahira Rivas, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Four years later, Angeli could symbolize the event’s complicated aftermath. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

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

ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol