symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsi-mə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: balanced proportions

also : beauty of form arising from balanced proportions

2

: the property of being symmetrical

especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

3

: a rigid motion of a geometric figure that determines a one-to-one mapping onto itself

4

: the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow)

—used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them

Synonyms

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symphony
• unity

Examples of symmetry in a Sentence

the symmetry of the human body

The building has perfect symmetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Household items such as rugs and lamps, which themselves can be appreciated for their geometric order and symmetry, are placed in the gallery areas not as remote museum pieces but in some semblance of their practical uses. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025

Prince William Poses with King Frederik of Denmark as the Countries Face Off in Soccer: 'May the Best Team Win' There’s a symmetry to William’s love of Aston Villa and this year: He was born in 1982 when Villa coincidentally last won Europe's most prestigious club trophy, the European Cup. —Simon Perry, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025

Choose An Accent Color Continuing an accent color in your curtains helps tie the room's color palette together, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. Go For Symmetry Put formal back into formal living rooms by aiming for symmetry with your design. —Macie Stump, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025

The building is dead center in an elliptical suburban office park where the roads leading up to it and the parking that surrounds it are arranged in perfect symmetry. —Diana Budds, Curbed, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin symmetria, from Greek, from symmetros symmetrical, from syn- + metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symmetry

• bilateral symmetry
• center of symmetry
• radial symmetry

Rhymes for symmetry

• altimetry
• asymmetry
• dosimetry
• calorimetry
• colorimetry
• supersymmetry

Kids Definition

symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: balanced proportions

2

: close agreement in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or around a central point compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

Medical Definition

symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis see bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

2

: the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow)

—used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them