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

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

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