symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations: such as
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
Example Sentences
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web Laden with symbolism and easily adapted to flights of decorative fancy, the humble snake has appeared on—and inspired the shape of—design objects for millennia, from Victorian Wedgwood vases to mid-20th-century sofas. 
Rima Suqi, ELLE Decor, 22 Aug. 2022 The writers are heavy-handed with symbolism (many rats appear at moments of corruption for the characters, shockingly). Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2022 For decades, the museum and its treasures have been imbued with political and national symbolism. Wayne Chang, CNN, 29 July 2022 The 300,000 troop figure would not be the first time Stoltenberg has announced numbers that have as much to do with symbolism as with reality. Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 29 June 2022 At a time when Canada says that Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a driving goal at the highest levels of government, the transfer of a colonial icon to Indigenous leaders resonates with symbolism – and is seen as a tangible sign of renewal. Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2022 Organizers of the forum withheld invitations to Russians after President Vladimir Putinordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and the country’s absence from the meeting in Davos is freighted with symbolism. WSJ, 26 May 2022 The logo for Utah Tech University is filled with symbolism. Courtney Tanner, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 As the creepy events around Harper grow more malevolent, easy explanations are scarce, but the film is littered with symbolism beyond its central casting, giving viewers plenty to gnaw on during repeat viewings. David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 May 2022 See More
Rima Suqi, ELLE Decor, 22 Aug. 2022 The writers are heavy-handed with symbolism (many rats appear at moments of corruption for the characters, shockingly). Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2022 For decades, the museum and its treasures have been imbued with political and national symbolism. Wayne Chang, CNN, 29 July 2022 The 300,000 troop figure would not be the first time Stoltenberg has announced numbers that have as much to do with symbolism as with reality. Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 29 June 2022 At a time when Canada says that Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a driving goal at the highest levels of government, the transfer of a colonial icon to Indigenous leaders resonates with symbolism – and is seen as a tangible sign of renewal. Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2022 Organizers of the forum withheld invitations to Russians after President Vladimir Putinordered the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and the country’s absence from the meeting in Davos is freighted with symbolism. WSJ, 26 May 2022 The logo for Utah Tech University is filled with symbolism. Courtney Tanner, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 As the creepy events around Harper grow more malevolent, easy explanations are scarce, but the film is littered with symbolism beyond its central casting, giving viewers plenty to gnaw on during repeat viewings. David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 May 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm
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?
Medical Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
: the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations