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.
Green symbolizes balance and growth, appealing to eco-conscious businesses. Bryant Richardson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Common markers include stars on the shoulders (indicating rank), crowns (symbolizing authority), images of weapons, trains (a nod to the gang's name), dice, roses, and predatory animals like jaguars. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 The standout pieces are the charms, each symbolizing significant moments in her life. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025 What might seem to be little more than an extended prank comes to take on a deeper meaning, as the apartment comes to symbolize something greater: how to live a creative life and something of a last stand against the ways in which society can crush the artistic spirit of adventure. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 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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