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
Examples of symmetry in a Sentence
the symmetry of the human body
The building has perfect symmetry.
Recent Examples on the Web
But a number of architects and preservation groups provided their opinions of the 90,000 square foot project, generally characterizing it as way out of scale with the Executive Residence, the main part of the White House, while throwing off the symmetry of the grounds.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Worms are clearly bilaterian, a group of animals with left/right symmetries that includes our own species.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
The symmetry is hard to ignore.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Its compact form, complete with turrets and crenellations, is reflected in still water on calm days, creating a scene of near-perfect storybook symmetry.
—Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symmetry
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Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Worms are clearly bilaterian, a group of animals with left/right symmetries that includes our own species.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
The symmetry is hard to ignore.
—Doug Haller, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Its compact form, complete with turrets and crenellations, is reflected in still water on calm days, creating a scene of near-perfect storybook symmetry.
—Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symmetry
Cite this Entry
“Symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetry. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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