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

In Naples, Catholic symbolism-above all the image of the Virgin Mary -permeates the city. —Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025

Even with leaks, moles, and a few red herrings thrown in the mix, the series’ characters are so trope laden and its visuals so loaded with symbolism that most of the narrative feels inevitable. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

Until November 2025, the exhibition L’art de faire mouche spotlights West African slingshots as unexpected works of art, blending function with sculpture, humor, and symbolism. —AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

Writer Claudia Riiff Finseth credits Tolkien’s Catholic upbringing and interest in Anglo-Saxon literature to his appreciation of the tree’s rich symbolism. —Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for symbolism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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