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

Miller structured the play differently, snapping back between realism and symbolism, as manifest in Jo Mielziner’s famous original set. —Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026

The physical damage, while alarming in its symbolism, is of a categorically different order from what has broken—and failed to break—great cities before. —Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026

Hunt said the ring Green created with Dallas jeweler Lyles DeGrazier is full of symbolism. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

In a social media post, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent drew on the symbolism of Easter, the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Apr. 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