Here are some dictionary definitions of these two words: Symbol: 1. An arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance The "$" symbol means "dollar" or "dollars". The "&" (ampersand) symbol represents the word, "and". 2. Something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible These friendship rings that we wear will be a symbol of our friendship. Token: 1. Something serving as a sign of something else These friendship rings that we wear will be a token of our friendship. 2. A metal or plastic disk that can be redeemed or used in designated slot machines You must purchase tokens to gamble in the casino slot machines. 3. Something of sentimental value I bought a souvenir in Scotland as a token of my visit to that country. 4. An individual instance of a type of symbol The word "error" contains three tokens of "r". There are some cases where the two words can be interchangeable (compare the second definition of symbol and the first definition of token).

A token is something you can hold in your hand. A symbol is more abstract.

In everyday speech, a symbol is something that stands for a quality or an idea, whereas a token is an action that you take or something that you give as a gesture of appreciation/apology/etc. ''Roses are ancient symbols of love and beauty. '' ''Please accept this gift as a token of my gratitude.'' I remember there was a difference between these terms in linguistics, but I can't quite remember and don't think that's what you're asking anyway.