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 constant intrusion of yellow butterfly symbolism, on the other hand, begins to border on the overindulgent long before one final, eyeball-rolling appearance. — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Snyder litters his film with blunt butterfly symbolism to the point where someone could make a drinking game out of their recurring appearances that would end in alcohol poisoning. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Flowers, mementos, and symbolism in Oslo In recent days, thousands of people across the country have paid tribute to the popular king by bringing flowers, lighting candles, and leaving messages of condolence. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026

Many of the items incorporate key elements of Antonoff and Korn’s latest releases, from the patterns to the symbolism, and all of them are guaranteed to make your pooch the king — or queen — of the dog park. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for symbolism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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