symbolism

[ sim-buh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character.
2. a set or system of symbols.
3. symbolic meaning or character.
4. the principles and practice of symbolists in art or literature.
5. (initial capital letter) a movement of the late 19th century in French art and literature. Compare symbolist ( defs 3b, 4b ).
6. the use of any of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for Christ and the Christian faith.

symbolism

/ ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the representation of something in symbolic form or the attribution of symbolic meaning or character to something
2. a system of symbols or symbolic representation
3. a symbolic significance or quality
4. often capital a late 19th-century movement in art that sought to express mystical or abstract ideas through the symbolic use of images See also synthetism
5. theol any symbolist interpretation of the Eucharist

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolism¹

First recorded in 1645–55; symbol + -ism

Example Sentences

Because I’ll admit, I didn't always understand the power of symbolism.

From Salon

Trump, as a White man, also possesses great meaning and power in the symbolism and historical meaning of his body and power.

From Salon

And in the unlikely chance the symbolism was missed by anyone watching, Harris made it explicit early in her speech.

From BBC

Just as there is power in the number four, the number three also carries strong occult symbolism.

From Salon

“If you want to promote peace in Israel, give up the flags,” he continued, adding that he has nothing against the flags and their symbolism, but that in protests, they only serve to emphasize divisions.

From Salon

Related Words

• metaphor