symbolism

American  

[sim-buh-liz-uhm] / ˈsɪm bəˌlɪz əm /

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.

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symbolism British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of symbolism

First recorded in 1645–55; symbol + -ism

Example Sentences

Beyond patriotic symbolism, the renewed demand for fugus could provide a lift for local artisans competing against cheaper imported clothing, mainly from China.

From Barron's

Similar to the way Lamar’s performance was laden with symbolism about Black history, life and death under the American police state, Bad Bunny placed cultural tributes in plain sight.

From Salon

In their fiction—mostly novels for Woolf, short stories for Mansfield—they experimented by replacing linear narrative and descriptive detail with suggestion and symbolism.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Forbidden City was the heart of imperial China for more than 500 years and remains laden with symbolism of its powerful past.

From Barron's

Beyond strategy and symbolism, the parade often leaves a more personal impression on visiting leaders.

From BBC

Related Words

• metaphor