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

• proportion
• harmony
• balance
• orchestration
• correlation
• unity
• coherence
• equilibrium

Examples of symmetry in a Sentence

the symmetry of the human body

The building has perfect symmetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

After allowing time for your lips to settle — typically a couple of weeks — a medical professional can reevaluate the symmetry, contour, and firmness of your lips and use hyaluronidase to dissolve some or all of the filler in a certain spot. —Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025

And while the ongoing clean girl trend has favored the symmetry of a middle part, the side parting offers something that can be both an elevated detail and a playful subversion of form. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 2 July 2025

This is the new reality as the music and hotel industries increasingly understand the symmetry between the two worlds. —Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

The symmetry serves as a reflection of how deeply tennis and motherhood are entwined in the arc of her life, shaping her identity and fueling her game. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 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