What does palindrome mean?
A palindrome is a word, phrase, or sequence of letters that has the same order whether it is read from left to right or from right to left. Familiar examples include “racecar,” “level,” and “never odd or even.” The word is especially associated with playful language puzzles, but it also has mathematical uses for describing numerical sequences and patterns with the same property. Palindromes are defined by exact reversal, not merely by broad symmetry, and spaces, punctuation, and capitalization are generally ignored when identifying them in ordinary language. The term comes from Greek and gives a concise way to describe this striking form of verbal symmetry. Whether encountered in literature, puzzles, or mathematics, a palindrome offers a memorable example of how sequence and direction can produce an unexpected identity.
A word, phrase, or sequence of letters that reads the same backward and forward.
"“Rotator” is a palindrome."
Having the property of reading the same backward and forward.
"The designer created a palindrome pattern for the poster."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The collection includes many clever palindromes."
Palindromes are linguistic mirror images: reverse their letters and they remain perfectly unchanged.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does palindrome come from?
The word comes from Greek palindromos, meaning “running back again.” Its elements combine palin-, “again” or “back,” with dromos, “running” or “course.” English borrowed the term in the 17th century, initially in the context of writing or reading backward, and it later became associated especially with words and phrases that read alike in both directions.
Related word forms
How palindrome is actually used
The term is commonly used for words and phrases, but it can also refer to numerical sequences and other symmetrical arrangements. It is formal or technical in tone rather than everyday, although it is widely understood.
Easily confused with palindrome
A palindrome reads the same backward and forward, whereas a semordnilap becomes a different meaningful word when reversed.