symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism

symbolizer noun

Synonyms

• emblematize
• represent

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America.

the flag symbolizes our country

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, her relationship with Yves Saint Laurent symbolized a blend of avant-garde bravura and classic glamour, establishing her as a perennial fashion icon. —Alfredo Mineo, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024

Perhaps its that the lace symbolizes a 400-year-old fish net tradition, spearheaded by women in Indian fishing towns. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024

But to the Internal Revenue Service, Ver symbolizes a new target in the digital age: a crypto holder suspected of failing to pay taxes after selling tokens. —Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

The Hindu Festival of Light symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

: to serve as a symbol of

symbolization

ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb

sym·​bol·​ize

variants also British symbolise

ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol