reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər 

1

: one that reflects

especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or other radiation

2

: a telescope in which the principal focusing element is a mirror

Examples of reflector in a Sentence

safety devices such as bicycle reflectors

Reflectors are placed along the lanes of the highway.

Recent Examples on the Web

The coolant in these designs also acts as a neutron reflector, sending neutrons back to the core. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026

Then, the crew will manually back away, pause and fly toward specific reflectors on the side of the upper stage. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

Zoox says those reflectors rotate color to clearly distinguish the robotaxi's front from its rear. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

The small team that’s grown from 16 last year to 60 this year is building reflectors (similar to solar sails) every three days now, an effort that used to take others around six months. — Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reflector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Kids Definition

reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər 

1

: one that reflects

especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or heat

2

: a telescope in which the principal light-gathering element is a mirror

Medical Definition

reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər 

: one that reflects

especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or other radiation