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

Explanation

When you come across objects in a painting or story that stand for a concept, the artist or author is using symbolism to convey ideas. If a particular object keeps popping up at key points in a story, chances are the author is using symbolism to convey an idea or emotion. In Aesop's fable "The Fox and the Grapes," the grapes symbolize things too difficult for someone to attain or achieve. Sometimes people use symbolism in real life. If the President meets a dignitary in the Oval Office, the symbolism of the location says, "I take you especially seriously."

Example Sentences

Sidenfaden said too many county policies prioritize symbolism over results.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Speaking to Congress, Charles referred to the potent symbolism of the American capital city.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

There’s more to this outcome than Resistance-pleasing symbolism, though.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

But symbolism is important in maintaining a democratic society under the rule of law.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

And after a while, since he was a man who enjoyed literary and spiritual allusions as well as symbolism, Pacheco decided to call the robin “Joe’s Beanfield.”

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

• metaphor