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

From that day, Bint Jbeil’s symbolism as a Hezbollah stronghold grew, and the town became an IDF target. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 13 May 2026

Now, as the project winds down amid mounting costs and criticism, Republicans are debating whether it should be remembered as a successful proof of concept or an expensive political stunt whose symbolism ultimately outweighed its results. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

That cut probably wouldn’t have changed this outbreak’s trajectory, but the symbolism is hard to miss. —Craig Spencer, STAT, 13 May 2026

As far as symbolism, a serpent is a transformative symbol, often cited for the way the snake sheds its skin. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 May 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