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.
All of these songs carry the common themes of warmth, happiness and the elementally symbolic power of sunshine.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Trump’s arch, groused the New York Times, “would drastically change the sightlines between some of the country’s most symbolic memorials.”
From Slate • May 18, 2026
Supporters of Nyong’o’s casting note that Helen of Troy is not a historical figure bound to a single visual interpretation, but a literary and symbolic character whose meaning has shifted across cultures and eras.
From Salon • May 16, 2026
Last year he granted her a symbolic pardon, as the US president has no power to forgive crimes that were prosecuted in state courts.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
It had been an incredible, symbolic day for our family and I hoped for the country, but it was also a kind of ultramarathon.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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.
