symbolism

American  

[sim-buh-liz-uhm] / ˈsɪm bəˌlɪz əm /

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.

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.

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symbolism British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of symbolism

First recorded in 1645–55; symbol + -ism

Example Sentences

There’s more to this outcome than Resistance-pleasing symbolism, though.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

With their mix of social realism, symbolism and pure escapism, the movies of 1939 embody the same themes that kept audiences flocking to the cinema and other forms of entertainment throughout the decade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

"Even when situations are nowhere near that scale, the symbolism remains powerful."

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

However, Huppert emphasised the social symbolism of a vampire aristocracy that draws its power by feeding on ordinary mortals.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

By representing myself I would enhance the symbolism of my role.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• metaphor