symbolism

[sim-buh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character.

2. a set or system of symbols.

3. symbolic meaning or character.

4. the principles and practice of symbolists in art or literature.

5. (initial capital letter),  a movement of the late 19th century in French art and literature.

6. the use of any of certain special figures or marks of identification to signify a religious message or divine being, as the cross for Christ and the Christian faith.

symbolism

/ ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the representation of something in symbolic form or the attribution of symbolic meaning or character to something

2. a system of symbols or symbolic representation

3. a symbolic significance or quality

4. (often capital) a late 19th-century movement in art that sought to express mystical or abstract ideas through the symbolic use of images See also synthetism

5. theol any symbolist interpretation of the Eucharist

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolism¹

First recorded in 1645–55; symbol + -ism

Example Sentences

It took a few more years and additional pressures to unseat the ruling party, but the symbolism was stunning and effective.

From Salon

For Jones and Dolan, that symbolism is not about vengeance or despair, but about finding a path forward.

From Salon

A British government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told me that the mere symbolism of recognition was not enough.

From BBC

For others, it's not just the imagery and symbolism that resonated.

From BBC

A business built on symbolism and ideology can quickly become entangled in the very structures it celebrates, blurring the line between public support, legal accountability, and personal vulnerability.

From Salon

Related Words

• metaphor