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

Cybersigilism is a style of tattooing that fuses ancient symbolism with futuristic aesthetics. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Barring RidgeRunner from the chamber has relatively few real-world implications, but the rejection’s symbolism stings. —David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025

Is there symbolism in those in Chinese culture, similar to how in Western cultures, fish sometimes have religious connotations? —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025

The characters and their outfits are themselves rich with symbolism. —Claire Wang, NBC news, 12 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