symbolism

noun

sym·​bol·​ism ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce symbolism (audio)
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
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.
The storytelling, the craftsmanship, and the symbolism all line up. Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 Rooted in symbolism, her jewelry motifs serve as modern-day talismans celebrating luck, love and protection. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 Unveiled last week in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal during the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, known as Durga Pujo by Bengali Hindus, the sculpture’s symbolism was impossible to ignore. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 The symbolism here is hardly rising to the enigmatic level of True Detective or even Sharp Objects, but that doesn’t matter. Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for symbolism

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolism was in 1654

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

symbolism

noun
sym·​bol·​ism ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce symbolism (audio)
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 How to pronounce symbolism (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolism

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