Search Dictionary
Definition of palindrome

palindrome

/ˈpæl.ɪn.droʊm/
pal · in · drome
Adverb:palindromically
•
Plural:palindromes
•
Adjective:palindromic
JUMP TO:

palindrome Lexical Profile

palindrome Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A word, phrase, verse, or sequence of numbers that reads the same backward as forward.

Example

"The word 'radar' and the number '1991' are both classic examples of a palindrome."

2

A double-stranded segment of DNA or RNA in which the sequence of nucleotides in one strand reads the same in reverse order as the complementary strand.

Example

"Restriction enzymes often recognize and cleave at a specific palindrome within a DNA molecule."

• Nearby Words

palette
palimony
palimpsestic
palindrome
paling
palisade
palisades

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century by English playwright Ben Jonson from the Ancient Greek 'palindromos' ('running back again'), combining 'palin' ('again, back') and 'dromos' ('a running, course').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Palindrome. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/palindrome
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.