symbolism

noun sym·bol·ism \ ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 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

To anyone watching the scene, the symbolism was clear: The revolution was dead, and authoritarianism was in control.

— Washington Post, "The ghosts of the Arab Spring haunt Egypt’s sham election," 28 Mar. 2018
The symbolism of Nickelberry's pledge is more important, though.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Why Josh Nickelberry is such a big get for Louisville basketball," 1 June 2018
But also on the secondary part, Kim Jong-un recognizes the symbolism of his attending of the summit is as complicated as some of the concessions that he might be expected to make.

— Fox News, "North Korea expresses willingness to resolve issues with US," 25 May 2018
And while the two cases are distinct and separate, the symbolism of these events coming roughly a month apart, less than eight months after allegations against Weinstein went public, is difficult to ignore.

— brian lowry, CNN, "Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein cases send a Time's Up message," 25 May 2018
The bb guns provided with the shooting gallery may not be loaded, but the symbolism certainly is.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "New Orleans artist protests school mass murders with biting 'Shooting Gallery' exhibit," 21 May 2018
The symbolism in its dancing, staging and violent imagery has been the subject of robust interpretation.

— dan rodricks, baltimoresun.com, "This is America: Childish Gambino, blacks living life and whites calling 911," 17 May 2018
Laura Hunter's fictional biography on the Conservative Daily Review website The symbolism of this is significant.

— nicola pardy, refinery29.com, "How The Fake News Industry Weaponizes Women," 3 May 2018
In addition to prayers, the event included songs, Bible readings and patriotic symbolism, with the presentation of the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of veterans and their families kicking off the program.

— diane moca, Naperville Sun, "Naperville Christians celebrate their own unity during National Day of Prayer," 4 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