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

Its vivid symbolism is seeping into your day, creeping you out! —Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025

The pieces serve as grounding tools, a nod to simplicity in design but layered with weighty symbolism. —Essence, 1 Oct. 2025

But there is more to this moment than mere symbolism. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025

The pick underscores China’s steady shift over the past decade of submitting large-scale historical narratives with potent national symbolism instead of the arthouse human dramas that more regularly win the country’s filmmakers acclaim overseas. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025

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