emblematic
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- emblematically adverb
- emblematicalness noun
Etymology
Origin of emblematic
1635–45; < Greek emblēmat-, stem of émblēma ( see emblem) + -ic
Explanation
Something emblematic is symbolic. Empty buildings are emblematic of a city in decline, and a crown is emblematic of royalty. If you know that an emblem is a visual symbol, then you won't be surprised that emblematic things stand for other things. In fact, the word emblem comes from the French word for symbol. Something emblematic represents a larger issue, good or bad. Sometimes emblematic is used for things that are excellent examples. An A student is an emblematic student, and a war hero is an emblematic soldier. Emblematic people are symbols of what others aspire to be.
Vocabulary lists containing emblematic
Viewing Current Refugee Crisis Through an Anne Frank Lens
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The Namesake
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Words from the 2020 Vice Presidential Debate
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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.
She added: "This milestone is emblematic of so much hard work and dedication, and a tribute to collaborative work."
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
Brand’s forthcoming title, “How to Become a Christian in Seven Days,” is emblematic of this trend.
From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026
The report from the Wall Street Journal late Friday comes after higher egg prices last year and in 2024 became emblematic of the cost-of-living increases that have squeezed consumers over the past half-decade.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026
While it is unclear why Bucknor missed the call at first base, the rash of overturned ball/strike calls is emblematic of the adjustments umpires and players are making to the automated ball/strike challenge system.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Living with a pet name and a good name, in a place where such distinctions do not exist—surely that was emblematic of the greatest confusion of all.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Definitions 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.
