symbolism

noun sym·bol·ism \ ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm \

|Updated on: 17 Jul 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

Beyond the symbolism, no one in Russia expects the meeting to produce breakthroughs.

— The Economist, "Vladimir Putin’s hopes for his long-awaited meeting with Donald Trump," 14 July 2018
The display is laden with symbolism as the government moves to stamp out the last of the uprising against the 52-year-old Assad who has ruled with an iron fist over Syria for 18 years.

— Washington Post, "Syrian government raises its flag over cradle of 2011 revolt," 12 July 2018
But the book has also become fraught with both symbolism and anger.

— shelby grad, latimes.com, "Essential California: How a mysterious notebook is the key to seeking asylum," 6 July 2018
The move also is freighted with economic symbolism.

— matt phillips, New York Times, "General Electric Dropped From Dow After More Than a Century," 19 June 2018
In contrast, when Kim met South Korean President Moon Jae In in April, the menu consisted of a pan-Korean banquet suffused with symbolism that referenced Moon’s hometown and Kim’s Swiss education, and included cold noodles from Pyongyang.

— eli meixler, Time, "Octopus and Ice Cream: What President Trump and Kim Jong Un Ate at Their First Lunch," 12 June 2018
The seemingly simple, impromptu act was filled with symbolism and widely welcomed in the South as a sign of his desire for Korean unity.

— eric talmadge, Fox News, "Analysis: Tactics Kim may use in US-North Korea summit," 10 June 2018
This event is all about how many people can gather and make a difference with the inspiring symbolism of the lei, in a fun Hawaiian atmosphere.

— heather mcghee, Ramona Sentinel, "16th Annual 24-hour Relay for Life starts at 9 a.m. Saturday," 30 May 2018
The site chosen for the burial is heavy with symbolism—a 40-foot cross atop a hill overlooking the farmland.

— joe parkinson, WSJ, "Dwindling Farmland Sparks a Deadly Conflict in Nigeria," 27 May 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