symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
| \ ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm
\
\
Definition of symbolism
a
: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states
b
: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are a lot of circles tying the video together as well, and circles have so much symbolism as wholeness and totality. — Katie Bain, Billboard, "Ducky Breaks Down the Symbolism in Her New Video for 'A Place To Rest': Exclusive," 12 Aug. 2019 Escobar and other community members believe their city's symbolism as a beacon of multiculturalism and strong binational ties attracted the suspected shooter, a 21-year-old white man who is in government custody. — Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, "For many, it's clear why El Paso, the "ground zero" of the border debate, was the shooting target," 5 Aug. 2019 The neighboring sculptures in the room have a rich noirish feel (a woman's fingers peeking out from a curtain) and recall the dark symbolism common to fairy tales (a huge hairbrush with fingers as bristles, resting on a stack of bare mattresses). — Leah Ollman, latimes.com, "The hairbrush made of fingers and other scenes from the mind of Genesis Belanger," 8 June 2019 The name of the flower—forget-me-not—holds a touching symbolism: that although a loved one is gone, they will never be forgotten. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "How Meghan Markle Paid a Sweet Tribute to Princess Diana on Instagram," 13 May 2019 Not missing an opportunity for symbolism, Lei Jun explained that the 1,000 shares are actually two gifts of 500 – 500 shares for each employee, and 500 to honor each of their families. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Smartphone Maker Xiaomi Celebrates Its Global 500 Debut By Awarding Employees $24 Million In Shares," 25 July 2019 Harjo's poetry features Native symbolism, imagery and history to address feminist and other social issues. — NBC News, "Joy Harjo named first Native American poet laureate," 20 June 2019 At Pakal Na, another southern site in Belize, a similar trophy skull was discovered inscribed with fire and animal imagery resembling northern military symbolism, suggesting a northern origin of the warrior it was buried with. — Gabriel D. Wrobel, The Conversation, "Trophies made from human skulls hint at regional conflicts around the time of Maya civilization’s mysterious collapse," 10 June 2019 Take The Matrix, which weaved in a powerful commentary on gender into its plot and symbolism, and featured an interesting, and physically strong leading woman (Carrie Ann Moss’ Trinity), without beating the point into our heads. — Anne Cohen, refinery29.com, "Why Are Blockbuster Movies About Women Such Clichés?," 8 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'symbolism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for symbolism
symbolism
noun
English Language Learners Definition of symbolism
: the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature, art, etc.
: the particular idea or quality that is expressed by a symbol
See the full definition for symbolism in the English Language Learners Dictionary
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
| \ ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm
\
\
Kids Definition of symbolism
1
: the use of symbols to represent an idea or quality
The story was filled with symbolism.
2
: the meaning of a symbol
What is the symbolism of the lion and lamb in this picture?
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
| \ ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
\
\
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