rearview mirror

[ reer-vyoo ]

noun

1. a mirror mounted on the side, windshield, or instrument panel of an automobile or other vehicle to provide the driver with a view of the area behind the vehicle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearview mirror¹

First recorded in 1925–30; rear ¹ + view

Example Sentences

Yet, by the time the McWaids were rushing away — with 20- to 25-foot flames in the rearview mirror, right up against the area that they had cleared — McWaid was already certain his home was doomed.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking in the rearview mirror, I am astonished that I convinced myself that a woman of color could actually be president of the United States.

From Salon

The futuristic, metallic silver vehicles lacked steering wheels, pedals and rearview mirrors.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts wanted to remind Betts on the eve of Tuesday night’s Game 3 in Petco Park to keep his eyes on the road ahead and stop staring in the rearview mirror.

From Los Angeles Times

Otherwise, we could wake up on November 6 with our freedoms to speak and assemble, our right to vote, and our reproductive freedom fading quickly in America’s rearview mirror.

From Salon