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

In fact, they aren’t made of glass at all; they’re made of polycarbonate, a plastic material that mimics the look of a wonky funhouse reflector, to prevent people from shattering the surface and using broken shards as weapons. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 8 Oct. 2026

The previously brutalist shape is now adorned with the jewelry of reflectors that are required by the necessities of street legality, and of course there are now four doors rather than two. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

Freddie’s crew is setting up big silver reflectors to light the actors’ faces, which bounce the sunlight right into our eyeballs. — Kyle MacLachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

However, not having visibility reflectors exposes children to potentially fatal scenarios if other drivers cannot properly see them. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 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