symbology

noun

sym·​bol·​o·​gy sim-ˈbä-lə-jē How to pronounce symbology (audio)
plural symbologies
1
: the art of expression by symbols
2
: the study or interpretation of symbols
3
: a system of symbols

Examples of symbology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its advanced barcode scanning can read any barcode symbology in any orientation placed anywhere on the front of cartons or pallets. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Oct. 2024 While strolling the exhibits, García explains the roots of one of the largest megalopolises on earth and how its evolution lends to the symbology and tradition of the festival. — Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2023 Once used primarily for fortune-telling tarot has also evolved into a tool for other forms of mysticism such as storytelling, symbology, holistic reflection, spiritual exploration, and therapeutic self-discovery. — Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026 On view through April 5, 2026, Frey’s early photographs, paintings, and drawings–nearly half of which have never been shown publicly–reveal the origins of the rich visual symbology in her large-scale ceramic figures. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbology

Word History

Etymology

symbol + -logy

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbology was in 1840

Rhymes for symbology

See All Rhymes for symbology

Browse Nearby Words

symbologist
symbology
symbolophobia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbology. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All