symbolic
Americanadjective
-
serving as a symbol of something (often followed byof ).
-
of, relating to, or expressed by a symbol.
-
characterized by or involving the use of symbols.
a highly symbolic poem.
-
(in semantics, especially formerly) pertaining to a class of words that express only relations.
-
Computers. expressed in characters, usually nonnumeric, that require translation before they can be used (opposed to absolute).
adjective
-
of or relating to a symbol or symbols
-
serving as a symbol
-
characterized by the use of symbols or symbolism
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of symbolic
First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin symbolicus, from Greek symbolikós; see symbol, -ic
Explanation
When one thing represents something else that's more abstract, it is symbolic, like a cowboy's black hat in western films is symbolic of his sinister intentions. Images and designs on flags are often symbolic of something about a country, for instance, New Zealand's flag shows four stars that are symbolic of the constellation Crux. We're not sure exactly where the word symbolic came from, because several languages have similar words with similar meanings. The word could have come from the French symbolique, the Latin symbolicus, or the Greek sumbolikos.
Vocabulary lists containing symbolic
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 6
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: The Language of the Test
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The demographic shift is "symbolic" and could suggest more public spending will move from families and schools to pensions and healthcare, said Professor Stuart Gietel-Basten from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026
This potential connection could help researchers explore relationships between brain activity and symbolic communication, although further research would be needed to establish them.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026
"Specific dates and locations could be discussed through Panmunjom," said Kim, referencing the symbolic truce village where troops from both Koreas stand face-to-face.
From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026
But it was nice to see a symbolic baton be passed to the “Choosin’ Texas” singer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
Vermeer’s mastery of light’s expressive qualities elevates his concern for the reality of appearance to the level of poetry and subsumes its visual and symbolic possibilities.
From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
