symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

sə-ˈme-trik 

1

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry

2

: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane

symmetrical curves

3

symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth

symmetric equations

R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa

4

a

: capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves

symmetrical plant parts

b

: having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves

symmetrical flowers

5

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

symmetrical rash

6

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

symmetricalness

sə-ˈme-tri-kəl-nəs 

noun

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

The human body is symmetrical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Front Entry and Porch Updates Virginia designer Erin Tripodi is a fan of flanking a front door with large, symmetrical planters. —Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026

In designing the Grange, Davies had a rule that everything needed to be ordered and symmetrical. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026

In these rough fibers, the distribution of pores was not symmetrical. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026

Early observations have homed in on the symmetrical patterns in the nebula. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for symmetrical

• obstetrical
• asymmetrical
• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• trigonometrical

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or showing symmetry

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as

a

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

a symmetrical rash

b

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb