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 trip holds serious symbolism for the couple, who last traveled to Australia just five months after their royal nuptials. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

While Zootopia 2 connected with audiences there with its great rabbit symbolism, the one big plus for Pixar’s latest heading into China is that Hoppers has trailered greatly on Zootopia 2 which is up to $667M there. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2026

The program also explores the symbolism of Nowruz traditions, including the meaning of the holiday and the traditional seven‑symbol spread. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Sometimes, a mission name isn't about secrecy, but conveying a message to drive symbolism and morale, the legal blog added. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026

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