symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism

symbolizer noun

Synonyms

• represent

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America.

the flag symbolizes our country

Recent Examples on the Web

What the duck tells us is more than the story of a cartoon character that has come to symbolize the company. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Chachi Arcola Aries, the cardinal Fire sign and symbolized by the ram, knows how to make an impact. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 19 July 2025

The cover art features Joyner in a ski mask and jacket emblazoned with both the U.S. and U.K. flags split down the middle—symbolizing the cross-Atlantic clash. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 July 2025

The team will deliver a plaque to Mayor Mike Duggan to symbolize the completion of the journey. —Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for symbolize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

: to serve as a symbol of

symbolization

ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb

sym·​bol·​ize

variants also British symbolise

ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol