The meaning of SYMBOLIC is using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol. How to use symbolic in a sentence.

When one thing represents something else that's more abstract, it is symbolic, like a cowboy's black hat in western films is symbolic of his sinister intentions.

SYMBOLIC definition: 1. representing something else: 2. used to refer to an action that expresses or seems to express…. Learn more.

SYMBOLIC meaning: 1 : expressing or representing an idea or quality without using words often + of; 2 : relating to or being used as a symbol

1. serving as a symbol of something (often fol. by of). 2. of, pertaining to, or expressed by a symbol. 3. characterized by or involving the use of symbols: a highly symbolic poem. [1650–60; < Late Latin symbolicus < Greek symbolikós. See symbol, -ic]

If you describe an event, action, or procedure as symbolic, you mean that it represents an important change, although it has little practical effect.

The meaning of SYMBOLISM is 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.