1. (noun)symbolism the fact that sth is symbolic the symbolism of the Olympic Torch
2. symbolism the use of symbols to represent things the symbolism in her poetry
Definition of 'symbolism'
Webster Dictionary
1. (noun)symbolism the act of symbolizing, or the state of being symbolized; as, symbolism in Christian art is the representation of truth, virtues, vices, etc., by emblematic colors, signs, and forms
2. (noun)symbolism a system of symbols or representations
4. (noun)symbolism a combining together of parts or ingredients
5. (noun)symbolism the science of creeds; symbolics
Definitions of 'symbolism'
The Nuttall Encyclopedia
1. symbolism has been divided into two kinds, symbolism of colour and symbolism of form. Of colours, black typifies grief and death; blue, hope, love of divine works, divine contemplation, piety, sincerity; pale blue, power, Christian prudence, love of good works, serene conscience; gold, glory and power; green, faith, immortality, resurrection, gladness; pale green, baptism; grey, tribulation; purple, justice, royalty; red, martyrdom for faith, charity, divine love; rose-colour, martyrdom; saffron, confessors; scarlet, fervour and glory; silver, chastity and purity; violet, penitence; white, purity, temperance, innocence, chastity, and faith in God. Instances of form: Anchor typifies hope; palm, victory; sword, death or martyrdom; the lamb, Christ; unicorn, purity. Of stones, moreover, the amethyst typifies humility; diamond, invulnerable faith; sardonyx, sincerity; sapphire, hope, &c.
Definition of 'symbolism'
U.S. National Library of Medicine
1. symbolism A concept that stands for or suggests something else by reason of its relationship, association, convention, or resemblance. The symbolism may be mental or a visible sign or representation. (From Webster, 3d ed)
Definitions of symbolism 
Afrikaans: simbolisme
Arabic: رَمْزِيَّه
Bulgarian: символизъм
Brazilian: simbolismo
Czech: symbolismus
German: die Symbolik
Danish: symbolisme
Greek: συμβολισμός
Spanish: simbolismo
Estonian: sümbolism
Farsi: نماد گرايي
Finnish: symbolismi
French: symbolisme
Hebrew: סִימלִיוּת
Hindi: प्रतीक चित्र, प्रतीकीकरण,
Croatian: simbolika, simbolizam
Hungarian: jelképes/szimbolikus ábrá
Indonesian: simbolisme
Icelandic: notkun tákna; táknkerfi; 
Italian: simbolismo
Japanese: 象徴主義
Korean: 상징화
Lithuanian: simbolizmas
Latvian: simbolisms
Malay: perlambangan
Dutch: symbolisme
Norwegian: symbolisme
Polish: symbolizm
Persian: نماد گرايي
Pashto: سمبولیزم
Portuguese: simbolismo
Romanian: simbolism
Russian: символизм
Slovak: symbolizmus
Slovenian: simbolizem
Serbian: simbolizam
Swedish: symbolism, symbolik
Thai: การแทนสิ่งต่าง ๆ ด้วยสัญล
Turkish: sembolizm, simgecilik
Taiwanese: 象徵主義，象徵手法
Ukrainian: символізм; символічність
Urdu: علامت نگاری
Vietnamese: chủ nghĩa tượng trưng
Chinese: 象征主义，象征手法
