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 history of the golden rose reveals the shift of papal priorities from political alliance-building to devotional symbolism. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Before Kinnick Stadium’s 2006 renovation, multiple University of Iowa professors spoke out against the locker room, arguing its symbolism was rooted in sexist and homophobic stereotypes. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

But with her Monday night looks, Pugh seemingly played up sartorial symbolism. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

During state visits especially, clothes enter a new lexicon of diplomacy, where the choice of colors, designers, and silhouettes innately acquire symbolism and signal allegiances. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 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