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
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 2019 One can’t help but see the symbolism there: the straights and the Catholics and the gays all joyfully singing as one. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Gay Chorus Deep South," 1 May 2019 The history of La Placita, and of the broader church sanctuary movement, serves as a roadmap for how the houses of worship that protect migrants as a religious duty can go beyond symbolism to assist the poor and oppressed in tangible, lasting ways. — Mario Garcia, The Conversation, "More Central American migrants take shelter in churches, recalling 1980s sanctuary movement," 30 July 2019 Much of the same white supremacy symbolism and rhetoric that defined the movement decades ago still applies now — swastikas, SS bolts, derogatory slurs. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Understanding the psychology of hate," 22 July 2019 But there was a side to him that understood symbolism and imagery in a way that an advertising or social media expert would today. — Cheryl Hall, Dallas News, "Remembering Ross Perot: The boss had a complicated but never dull relationship with Morton Meyerson, employee No. 54," 14 July 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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