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

And there's another crucial difference here, symbolism. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Havana also turned to China for military and intelligence cooperation, although both Beijing and Moscow may value their alliances as much for their symbolism, given Cuba’s proximity to the United States. —Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026

Beyond the symbolism, Khabouth also broke down what the offer would actually represent financially. —Denny Alfonso, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026

With his latest, The Bronze Arms, Hofmann maintains the classical register while moving back further in his life, all the way to a traumatic childhood event, its aftermath and its lifelong symbolism. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

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