emblematic

adjective

em·​blem·​at·​ic ˌem-blə-ˈma-tik 

variants or less commonly emblematical

ˌem-blə-ˈma-ti-kəl 

: of, relating to, or constituting an emblem : symbolic, representative

emblematically

ˌem-blə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• representational
• representative
• symbolic
• symbolical

Examples of emblematic in a Sentence

the dove is emblematic of the organization's mission to bring some peace to a troubled world

Recent Examples on the Web

According to those who work with domestic violence victims, her case, and Holliday's short prison sentence, is emblematic of larger social problems. —Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 13 July 2024

The dispute over workplace treats, which two employees described to WIRED and a third posted about publicly on Instagram, is emblematic of the deep ruptures carved across the tech industry by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. —Paresh Dave, WIRED, 11 July 2024

These two choices are emblematic of humanity’s relationship with nature. —Sam Firman, Longreads, 11 July 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of conquest in democratic Ukraine is emblematic of this sad trend. —Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, Washington Post, 9 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin emblēmaticus, from emblēmat-, emblēma emblem entry 1 + -icus -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

emblematic

adjective

em·​blem·​at·​ic ˌem-blə-ˈmat-ik 

variants also emblematical

-ˈmat-i-kəl 

: of, relating to, or serving as an emblem : symbolic