1 : a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to show or suggest that they are similar
(count)
“He was drowning in paperwork” is a metaphor in which having to deal with a lot of paperwork is being compared to drowning in an ocean of water.
Her poems include many imaginative metaphors.
(noncount)
a poet admired for her use of metaphor
2 : (count) : an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else — often + for
The author uses flight as a metaphor for freedom.
The veil is a metaphor for (=symbol of) secrecy.