rectangular

adjective

rect·​an·​gu·​lar rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər How to pronounce rectangular (audio)
Synonyms of rectangularnext
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 How to pronounce rectangular (audio)
-ˈla-rə-tē
noun
rectangularly
rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər-lē How to pronounce rectangular (audio)
adverb

Examples of rectangular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But try to go back the other way, the doorway is rectangular rather than arched. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The matching east-west tennis necklace is particularly interesting, with its procession of rectangular diamonds framed in gold. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026 Utilizing advanced digital steer-by-wire technology, this rectangular yoke replaces a mechanical steering column completely with precise electronic actuators. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 Fusio trades the industry standard rectangular pontoons for hexagonal ones. — Sal Vaglica, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rectangular

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectangular was circa 1560

Phrases Containing rectangular

Rhymes for rectangular

See All Rhymes for rectangular

Browse Nearby Words

rectangled
rectangular
rectangular coordinate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectangular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectangular. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rectangular

adjective
rect·​an·​gu·​lar rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər How to pronounce rectangular (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on rectangular

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rectangular

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