SYMBOL Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

symbol

[ sim-buhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.
a letter, figure, or other character or mark or a combination of letters or the like used to designate something:
the algebraic symbol x; the chemical symbol Au.
(especially in semiotics) a word, phrase, image, or the like having a complex of associated meanings and perceived as having inherent value separable from that which is symbolized, as being part of that which is symbolized, and as performing its normal function of standing for or representing that which is symbolized: usually conceived as deriving its meaning chiefly from the structure in which it appears, and generally distinguished from a sign.

verb (used with object)

symboled, symboling or (especially British) symbolled, symbolling.

to use symbols; symbolize.

symbol

/ ˈ��ɪ��ə�� /

noun

something that represents or stands for something else, usually by convention or association, esp a material object used to represent something abstract
an object, person, idea, etc, used in a literary work, film, etc, to stand for or suggest something else with which it is associated either explicitly or in some more subtle way
a letter, figure, or sign used in mathematics, science, music, etc to represent a quantity, phenomenon, operation, function, etc
psychoanal the end product, in the form of an object or act, of a conflict in the unconscious between repression processes and the actions and thoughts being repressed
the symbols of dreams
psychol any mental process that represents some feature of external reality

verb

tr another word for symbolize

symbol

/ ��ĭ��′��ə�� /

A conventional, printed or written figure used to represent an operation, element, quantity, relation, unit of measurement, phenomenon, or descriptor.
Also called sign

symbol

Something that represents or suggests something else. Symbols often take the form of words, visual images, or gestures that are used to convey ideas and beliefs. All human cultures use symbols to express the underlying structure of their social systems, to represent ideal cultural characteristics, such as beauty, and to ensure that the culture is passed on to new generations. Symbolic relationships are learned rather than biologically or naturally determined, and each culture has its own symbols.

symbol

An object or name that stands for something else, especially a material thing that stands for something that is not material. The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America. The cross is a symbol of Christianity . The Star of David is a symbol of Judaism .

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of symbol¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin symbolum, from Greek ��ý��Ǳ��ǲ� “sign,” equivalent to sym- sym- ( def ) + -bolon, neuter for ��Ǳ�ḗ (feminine) “a throw, stroke, glance, blow”

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of symbol¹

C15: from Church Latin symbolum, from Greek sumbolon sign, from sumballein to throw together, from syn- + ballein to throw

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

see status symbol .

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Many Muslim girls and women wear the hijab, an Islamic head covering, as a symbol of modesty.

From

It is also an important symbol of power for the army.

From

To some, dogs are an accessory or a status symbol, or worse: an Instagram algorithm booster.

From

Not because of any deep understanding or appreciation of American history, but as a symbol of resistance against the United States itself.

From

For Ylfa, sauce is a status symbol, a priceless condiment that may prove rare enough to give her power sovereign from her husband’s name.

From

Related �y��vlogs

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Browse