symbol

[ sim-buhl ]

/ ˈsɪm bəl /

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See synonyms for: symbol / symboled / symboling / symbolled on Thesaurus.com

noun

something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.

a letter, figure, or other character or mark or a combination of letters or the like used to designate something: the algebraic symbol x; the chemical symbol Au.

(especially in semiotics) a word, phrase, image, or the like having a complex of associated meanings and perceived as having inherent value separable from that which is symbolized, as being part of that which is symbolized, and as performing its normal function of standing for or representing that which is symbolized: usually conceived as deriving its meaning chiefly from the structure in which it appears, and generally distinguished from a sign.

verb (used with object), sym·boled, sym·bol·ing or (especially British) sym·bolled, sym·bol·ling.

to use symbols; symbolize.

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Origin of symbol

1400–50; late Middle English <Latin symbolum<Greek sýmbolon sign, equivalent to sym-sym- + -bolon, neuter for bolḗ (feminine) a throw

Words nearby symbol

Symbionese, Symbionese Liberation Army, symbiont, symbiosis, symbiotic, symbol, symbolic, symbolical books, symbolic interactionism, symbolic language, symbolic logic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use symbol in a sentence

In the debates over how Britain should handle its departure from the EU, fishing morphed into a symbol of Britain’s potential independence.
The UK clothing industry wants the government to focus on fashion as much as on fishing|Marc Bain|February 9, 2021|Quartz
QAnon, a dangerous once-fringe collection of conspiracy theories, was well-represented in January’s deadly Capitol riot and many photos from the day show the prevalence of QAnon symbols and sayings.
House punishes Republican lawmaker who promoted violent conspiracy theories|Taylor Hatmaker|February 5, 2021|TechCrunch
Some have turned masks into a symbol of government overreach.
Time to double or upgrade masks as coronavirus variants emerge, experts say|Fenit Nirappil|January 27, 2021|Washington Post
In March, its northern city of Bergamo, then the site of the world’s deadliest Covid-19 outbreak, became a global symbol of the pandemic, as the number of dead forced army trucks to transport them to other cities for cremation.
A government crisis is poised to make Italy’s Covid-19 trouble even worse|Annalisa Merelli|January 26, 2021|Quartz

Its journey from provincial beginnings to global fashion symbol traces Britain’s history as it became a financial powerhouse.
What Dr. Martens’ IPO journey says about London’s financial future|John Detrixhe|January 23, 2021|Quartz
We see detoxing as a path to transcendence, a symbol of modern urban virtue and self-transformation through abstinence.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It is now possible the building can be a symbol for progress.
Meet America’s Next Ambassador to Cuba|Eleanor Clift|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Conservative Muslim women in Turkey hailed Esme as a martyr and a symbol of female strength and resistance.
Allah, Mom, and Baklava: Turkish President Uses Mothers and Kids as Political Pawns|Xanthe Ackerman|November 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sherlock Holmes is a new millennium sex symbol with books, movies, and TV episodes introducing him to a new generation of fans.
Can Tarzan of the Apes Survive in a Post-Colonial World?|Ted Gioia|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Wicca, the female goddess is represented by the Moon, a symbol of Mother Earth and fertility.
‘Gods of Suburbia’: Dina Goldstein’s Arresting Photo Series on Religion vs. Consumerism|Dina Goldstein|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Light, the symbol of life's joy, seems to be the first language in which the spirit of beauty speaks to a child.
Children's Ways|James Sully
This method of concealing the face, together with the wearing of the immense hat, was a symbol of mourning.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike
The mayorʼs symbol of office is a cane with a silver knob, plated ferrule, and black cord and tassels.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
The olive, too, was sacred to Minerva, and as the symbol of peace was woven into the victors crown.
The Catacombs of Rome|William Henry Withrow
The symbol of the heaven-bound ship— —is mentioned by Clement of Alexandria as being in vogue in the second century.
The Catacombs of Rome|William Henry Withrow

British Dictionary definitions for symbol

symbol

/ (ˈsɪmbəl) /

noun

something that represents or stands for something else, usually by convention or association, esp a material object used to represent something abstract

an object, person, idea, etc, used in a literary work, film, etc, to stand for or suggest something else with which it is associated either explicitly or in some more subtle way

a letter, figure, or sign used in mathematics, science, music, etc to represent a quantity, phenomenon, operation, function, etc

psychoanal the end product, in the form of an object or act, of a conflict in the unconscious between repression processes and the actions and thoughts being repressedthe symbols of dreams

psychol any mental process that represents some feature of external reality

verb -bols, -bolling or -bolled or US -bols, -boling or -boled

(tr) another word for symbolize

Word Origin for symbol

C15: from Church Latin symbolum, from Greek sumbolon sign, from sumballein to throw together, from syn- + ballein to throw

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for symbol

symbol

[ sĭm′bəl ]

A conventional, printed or written figure used to represent an operation, element, quantity, relation, unit of measurement, phenomenon, or descriptor. Also called sign

Cultural definitions for symbol (1 of 2)

symbol

An object or name that stands for something else, especially a material thing that stands for something that is not material. The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America. The cross is a symbol of Christianity. The Star of David is a symbol of Judaism.

Cultural definitions for symbol (2 of 2)

symbol

Something that represents or suggests something else. Symbols often take the form of words, visual images, or gestures that are used to convey ideas and beliefs. All human cultures use symbols to express the underlying structure of their social systems, to represent ideal cultural characteristics, such as beauty, and to ensure that the culture is passed on to new generations. Symbolic relationships are learned rather than biologically or naturally determined, and each culture has its own symbols.

Other Idioms and Phrases with symbol

symbol

see status symbol.

symbol

Origin of symbol

Words nearby symbol

Words related to symbol

How to use symbol in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for symbol

Word Origin for symbol

Scientific definitions for symbol

Cultural definitions for symbol (1 of 2)

Cultural definitions for symbol (2 of 2)

Other Idioms and Phrases with symbol