symbolism

noun sym·bol·ism \ ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of symbolism

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

See symbolism defined for English-language learners

See symbolism defined for kids

Examples of symbolism in a Sentence

The story was filled with religious symbolism.

Recent Examples of symbolism from the Web

Wiener’s measure achieved a kind of ideological symbolism as California struggles with soaring rents and home prices, caused in part by a shortage of available housing.

— melody gutierrez, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bill pushing apartments and condos near public transit loses crucial vote," 17 Apr. 2018
Some are complex masterpieces full of historical symbolism, while others are cultural odes.

— ariella gintzler, Outside Online, "Grading 2018's Boston Marathon Shoes," 11 Apr. 2018
Ibsen lays on the (constantly shifting) symbolism with a trowel, including the theme of blindness versus sight and the question of whether life, like photographs, can benefit from a bit of judicious retouching.

— julia m. klein, Philly.com, "'Wild Duck' at Quintessence: Sleek, contemporary update of Ibsen," 8 Apr. 2018
The first floor houses two bedrooms Plant motifs line the walls of both bedrooms, full of natural symbolism which will later become Gaudi’s trademark in all of his work.

— mayra cruz, Houston Chronicle, "Tomball ISD considers proposals to design, build new $51.2 million stadium," 7 Apr. 2018
His work is rife with symbolism, like his 2017 film Mother! focused on environmental destruction.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "This DJ Has Written a Song for the World," 28 Mar. 2018
Trump's first visit to the nation's most populous state is brief — just one day — but long on symbolism.

— times staff, latimes.com, "Photos: President Trump visits Southern California," 14 Mar. 2018
The statue had stood in the park since 1948, but was removed in August amid a national reckoning with Confederate symbolism and monuments.

— kevin rector, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore park space where Confederate statue once stood is rededicated to Harriet Tubman," 10 Mar. 2018
But International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the decision to march under separate flags doesn’t diminish the symbolism of the two Koreas coming together once again for an international sporting event.

— thomas maresca, USA TODAY, "North, South Korea march under separate flags at Paralympics opening ceremony," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'symbolism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of symbolism

1654

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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SYMBOLISM Defined for English Language Learners

symbolism

noun

Definition of symbolism for English Language Learners

: the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature, art, etc.
: the particular idea or quality that is expressed by a symbol

SYMBOLISM Defined for Kids

symbolism

noun sym·bol·ism \ ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm \

Definition of symbolism for Students

1 : the use of symbols to represent an idea or quality

The story was filled with symbolism.

2 : the meaning of a symbol

What is the symbolism of the lion and lamb in this picture?

Medical Dictionary

symbolism

noun sym·bol·ism \ ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm \

medical Definition of symbolism

: 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