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

Series Stays Faithful to Book’s Central Themes Kay Wilson Stallings, the Chief Creative and Production Officer at Sesame Workshop, notes that the retelling remains true to the book’s symbolism and themes of friendship, empathy, courage, and community. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 26 Sep. 2025

While the symbolism may seem fortuitous, an infestation of ladybugs in your home can be a pain. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

Grace Ling leaned futuristic, sending out biomorphic cuts and sculptural tailoring that felt engineered as much as designed, while Head of State introduced architectural dresses that fused symbolism with strength. —Essence, 24 Sep. 2025

The visuals are packed with symbolism and Easter eggs, unfolding like the sum of the types of thrillers Drake posts to his Instagram Story. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 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