symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
symbolizer noun

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The number of minutes symbolizes every cyclist or pedestrian killed by a driver in the United States in 2022. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024 In Caddo Lake, a brain-melting sci-fi film starring Dylan O’Brien that hit Max last month, the wetlands symbolize all of the above and then some as multiple characters try to get to the root of some seriously-hard-to-explain events. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024 The white Swiss Shepherd symbolizes white spirit, white wizard, protector and never-dying hope. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 This tradition, dating back to the early 20th century, symbolizes the individual’s contribution to the world of theatre and acknowledges the profound loss felt by the community. Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for symbolize 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near symbolize

Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
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
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

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