iconography

American  

[ahy-kuh-nog-ruh-fee] / ˌaɪ kəˈnɒg rə fi /

noun

plural

iconographies

1. symbolic representation, especially the conventional meanings attached to an image or images.

2. subject matter in the visual arts, especially with reference to the conventions regarding the treatment of a subject in artistic representation.

3. the study or analysis of subject matter and its meaning in the visual arts; iconology.

4. a representation or a group of representations of a person, place, or thing, as a portrait or a collection of portraits.

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iconography British  

/ aɪˌkɒnəˈɡræfɪk, ˌaɪkɒˈnɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. 1. the symbols used in a work of art or art movement

   2. the conventional significance attached to such symbols

2. a collection of pictures of a particular subject, such as Christ

3. the representation of the subjects of icons or portraits, esp on coins

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Other Word Forms

• iconograph
  noun
• iconographer
  noun
• iconographic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of iconography

1620–30; < Medieval Latin īconographia < Greek eikonographía. See icono-, -graphy

Explanation

The visual symbols used to represent something are known as iconography. When an artist paints a large white lily to represent death and a small dog to symbolize loyalty, she's using iconography. Whenever someone uses a familiar symbol or image to represent a particular person, group, characteristic, or theme, they're using iconography. In art, iconography sends specific messages, like when a lamb in a religious painting represents Jesus. In politics, iconography can convey things like strength and patriotism through flags, stars, and other symbols. The root of this word is the Greek eikon, which means "image or picture," but also "an image in the mind."

Example Sentences

"Her reign wasn't necessarily long enough for an established iconography… and there is this tantalising suggestion that perhaps some of her images might have been deliberately destroyed."

From BBC • May 1, 2026

MLB signed a licensing deal with Polymarket, which as the league’s official prediction-markets platform will have exclusive access to its data and iconography.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

While primarily in English, the American production incorporates Asian iconography, food and some Korean language to showcase its South Korean roots.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Aladdin Sane, with his face strafed by a scarlet firebolt edged in blue, blue, electric blue, is quintessential Bowie iconography.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

Popular guys with nice cars who had no viral iconography casting a shadow over them and would never bring up Chuck E. Cheese’s in her presence sat there rapt.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan