symbo 1) someone or something that people think of as representing a particular quality or idea e.g. Space exploration provides a symbol of national pride. 2)a picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents an idea e.g. The dove is a symbol of peace Cf. sign: a thing that shows that sb /sth. Is present or exists, or that sth May happen e.g. The doctor listened to the old man's heart, but she could find no sign of lifesymbol 1) someone or something that people think of as representing a particular quality or idea e.g. Space exploration provides a symbol of national pride. 2) a picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents an idea e.g. The dove is a symbol of peace. Cf. sign: a thing that shows that sb./sth. Is present or exists, or that sth. May happen e.g. The doctor listened to the old man’s heart, but she could find no sign of life