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
Crafted in a deep red wine hue, the dress also featured small crystal embellishments placed with precision and symmetry.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
It can be thought of as a collection of symmetries—transformations that leave a shape, a function or some other mathematical object unchanged in specific ways.
—Leila Sloman, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025
From an evolutionary standpoint, humans like symmetry and balanced proportions.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
The building had a lasting impression on the fashion designer’s vision, which embraced Le Corbusier’s sense of purity and symmetry.
—Sofia Celeste, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symmetry
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Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
It can be thought of as a collection of symmetries—transformations that leave a shape, a function or some other mathematical object unchanged in specific ways.
—Leila Sloman, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025
From an evolutionary standpoint, humans like symmetry and balanced proportions.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
The building had a lasting impression on the fashion designer’s vision, which embraced Le Corbusier’s sense of purity and symmetry.
—Sofia Celeste, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symmetry
Cite this Entry
“Symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetry. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.
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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