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.
Historically, the very first Juneteenth in 1866 was recognized with food, music, and the reading of spirituals — symbolizing both freedom and pride in Black progress. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 20 June 2025 The Summer Solstice, which commences on June 20th at 10:42 p.m. EST, symbolizes the sun's and Mother Earth's mighty force. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 19 June 2025 What did the patterns symbolize and what variations of the craft existed in different regions? Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Following a Friday press conference, members of the community held a walk and presentation of red balloons at Little Big Horn College, symbolizing collective hope and continued efforts to bring Birdinground home, Yellowstone Public Radio Reported. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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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