reflector

noun

re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər How to pronounce reflector (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the tiny town of Marathon in south Texas are two observatory-grade reflector telescopes in an observatory 150 feet behind the Marathon Motel and Sky Park (room rates range from $100-$150). Julia Duin, Outside Online, 6 June 2025 Most notably, the presence of orange side reflectors, which are likely a modification for compliance with US vehicle regulations. Utkarsh Sood, New Atlas, 24 May 2025 The Illuminate has an asymmetrical optical design that uses special reflectors to ensure that while the light brightens up the desk space, none of that light spills onto the surface of the display, avoiding the creation of additional glare and unwanted reflections. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 The reflectors come in all shapes: lemon, poodle, swan, hedgehog, soccer ball. Julia Whelan Emma Kehlbeck Jeremy McLennan, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflector

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reflector was in 1665

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reflector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflector. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

reflector

noun
re·​flec·​tor ri-ˈflek-tər How to pronounce reflector (audio)
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 How to pronounce reflector (audio)
: one that reflects
especially : a polished surface for reflecting light or other radiation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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