rectangular

adjective

rect·​an·​gu·​lar rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər 

1

: shaped like a rectangle

a rectangular area

2

a

: crossing, lying, or meeting at a right angle

rectangular axes

b

: having edges, surfaces, or faces that meet at right angles : having faces or surfaces shaped like rectangles

rectangular parallelepipeds

a rectangular solid

rectangularity

(ˌ)rek-ˌtaŋ-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-tē

noun

rectangularly

rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Examples of rectangular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After posing for a photo opportunity with then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in his private office, the men filed through into the cabinet room next door and took seats at its long, rectangular table. —Billy Perrigo, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025

Ribbons were popular as a clasp from the 1400s until the 1780s, before metal terminals in circular, rectangular or D-shapes became more highly used. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

The set includes rectangular and round containers in a variety of sizes made from durable BPA-free plastic that’s dishwasher-safe. —Lizzy Briskin, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

This rectangular patio heavy-duty table cover from Amazon is tough enough to keep rain, hail, snow, dust, leaves and bird droppings away. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rectangular

• rectangular coordinate

Kids Definition

rectangular

adjective

rect·​an·​gu·​lar rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər 

1

: shaped like a rectangle

a rectangular building

2

: having edges, faces, or surfaces that meet at right angles : having faces or surfaces shaped like rectangles

a rectangular solid

rectangular blocks