symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsi-mə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: balanced proportions

also : beauty of form arising from balanced proportions

2

: the property of being symmetrical

especially : correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

3

: a rigid motion of a geometric figure that determines a one-to-one mapping onto itself

4

: the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow)

—used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them

Synonyms of symmetry

• proportion
• harmony
• balance
• orchestration
• correlation
• unity
• coherence
• equilibrium

Examples of symmetry in a Sentence

the symmetry of the human body

The building has perfect symmetry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Its clear lines and symmetry stood out and kept viewers' attention. —Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Introducing strong electronegative heteroatoms (S and Cl) through axial coordination can significantly alter the symmetry and modulate the electronic structure of the conventional Fe–N4 configuration. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026

The stereo volume knob is offset by a radio tuning knob (still great for ripping through radio stations, even in 2026) for symmetry. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 21 Jan. 2026

In a fitting bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight's men's basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state's favorite sport. —Arkansas Online, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin symmetria, from Greek, from symmetros symmetrical, from syn- + metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing symmetry

• bilateral symmetry
• center of symmetry
• radial symmetry

Rhymes for symmetry

• altimetry
• asymmetry
• dosimetry
• calorimetry
• colorimetry
• supersymmetry

Kids Definition

symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: balanced proportions

2

: close agreement in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or around a central point compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

Medical Definition

symmetry

noun

sym·​me·​try ˈsim-ə-trē 

plural symmetries

1

: correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis see bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry

2

: the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow)

—used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them