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

It’s broken in two but looks relatively complete, with a thinner handle and a blunt rectangular point. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025

The spill-proof, stain-repellent organizers have a flat, rectangular shape. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2025

The set includes three rectangular glass containers in 3-cup, 4-cup, and 7-cup sizes in an eye-catching green color. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025

Which prompts consideration of Baccarat’s red Eye Vases, offered in an oval shape ($690) slightly less than six inches tall or a rectangular shape ($950) at almost eight inches high. —Alix Strauss, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

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