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

The shallow, rectangular landmark has been the site of historic speeches and presidential inaugurations over the decades. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 22 July 2026

Large, stone spheres by Polish artist Alicja Kwade fill the rectangular courtyard. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026

The kitchen for the residents was a modestly sized rectangular room. — Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Road cars display the rectangular Ferrari badge, whereas race cars use the Scuderia Ferrari shield with the initials SF. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rectangular

• rectangular coordinate

Rhymes for rectangular

• quadrangular
• subangular
• triangular
• angular
• subtriangular

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