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

Hands, in contrast, are not at all symmetrical, with fingers of different lengths and an opposable thumb. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026

The structure’s 27 gleaming marble petals rise in clusters of three to form nine sides, creating a perfectly symmetrical bloom that appears to float above a series of nine reflecting pools. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Like many of the homes throughout Virginia, Birdwood Mansion was built according to Jeffersonian architectural and design ideals, with symmetrical details like an entrance portico, Doric columns, and impressive brickwork. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

For both your antiques and florals, use an odd number of items to keep it from feeling too symmetrical or rigid. — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 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