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
Derived 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.
But if you start digging under the surface, deeper than the symbolic Freemasonry and all, you may never find bottom.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
Others have bristled at symbolic changes, including Rodríguez’s shift away from the movement’s trademark red imagery to a light blue.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
But the move carries symbolic weight for investors, because Strategy has long been viewed as the most aggressive corporate buyer of bitcoin, with Saylor previously embracing a never-sell posture.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026
So, it's a highly symbolic as well as strategic victory, as far as Israel is concerned.
From BBC • May 31, 2026
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry
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.
