diagonal

adjective

di·ag·o·nal | \dī-ˈa-gə-nᵊl,

-ˈag-nəl\

Definition of diagonal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same face

b : passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron a diagonal plane

2a : inclined obliquely from a reference line (such as the vertical) wood with a diagonal grain

b : having diagonal markings or parts a diagonal weave

diagonal

noun

Definition of diagonal (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a diagonal straight line or plane

2a(1) : a diagonal direction

(2) : a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern

b : something oriented in diagonal position

3 : slash sense 4

on the diagonal

: in an oblique direction : diagonally

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about diagonal

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Examples of diagonal in a Sentence

Adjective

The blanket is covered with diagonal stripes. the diagonal design ran up the wall all the way from the lower left to the upper right-hand corner

Noun

a design with strong diagonals the ramp was set at a low diagonal to make it easier for physically challenged patrons

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As part of the modernization program, officials decommissioned a diagonal, northwest and southeast runway and are building a new runway that runs east to west and expanding a different runway, House said. — Alexandra Kukulka, chicagotribune.com, "Glenview to host meeting on potential impacts of O'Hare Airport changes," 5 June 2018 Like previous iPad Pros, the new devices come in two sizes – 11 inch ($800) and 12.9 inch ($1,000) screen models, measured on the diagonal – the larger of which is about the size of an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper. — Geoffrey A. Fowler, The Seattle Times, "Apple redesigns the iPad Pro, breathes new life in the MacBook Air," 30 Oct. 2018 But hidden in the back corner of the C930, diagonal to the power button on its top-right corner, is a garage that holds the active pen. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 review: Hidden features in all the right places," 26 Oct. 2018 Cut the corners off at a diagonal, and cut two more panels of cardboard to create a roof. — Lara Sorokanich, Popular Mechanics, "4 Great Halloween Costumes From the PM Archives," 11 Oct. 2018 But the Magic Leap One’s 50-degree diagonal field of view, while larger than the competing Microsoft HoloLens, is still extremely limited. — Adi Robertson, The Verge, "The Magic Leap One mixed reality headset is shipping today for $2,295," 8 Aug. 2018 Deep in Mexico’s defensive half, Moreno starts everything with a diagonal pass forward to the right centerback Néstor Araujo, who approaches the edge of the center circle unmarked. — Grant Wahl, SI.com, "Masters of Modern Soccer: Chicharito and the Art of Mexico's Synchronization," 3 May 2018 Downstage of her is Katrina Reid, who traces a diagonal path alongside Okpokwasili in front of the flimsy plastic wall. — Lauren Warnecke, chicagotribune.com, "'Poor People’s TV Room' mixes Boko Haram history with Oprah — and is a tough, tough piece to unpack," 13 Apr. 2018 Much of the wetlands in the Bird Drive basin, designated with diagonal purple lines, was purchased using federal money and would require approval by the Department of Interior before it can be used for a highway. — Jenny Staletovich, miamiherald, "Roadblock for Miami-Dade parkway plan? Feds own big chunks of wetlands along the route," 19 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Sony is keeping the size down to 8mm diagonal, meaning there won’t be the need for a huge camera bump, though the lens in front of the sensor will of course play a big part in the camera’s ability to resolve an image. — Sam Byford, The Verge, "Sony announces world’s highest-resolution image sensor for phone cameras," 23 July 2018 One of them is a diagonal, functioning simultaneously as the principal structural support and as one element in the dynamic linear silhouette that gives the chair its title. — Eric Gibson, WSJ, "‘Donald Judd: Specific Furniture’ Review: Designs With Purpose," 23 July 2018 With Swanilda, the diagonal is a retreat (downstage right to upstage left); its charm lies in how very little her upper body does and in how that little makes magic. — Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "New York City Ballet Is in Limbo, but in Bloom," 31 May 2018 The mid-rise, named 24th and Camelback, diagonal from the upscale Biltmore Fashion Park, was purchased by New York Life Real Estate Investors. — Catherine Reagor, azcentral, "Priciest office sale of the year: Phoenix office tower bought for $100M," 15 June 2018 Make thin, wide slices across the grain, and at a slight diagonal. — Bryn Mooth, Cincinnati.com, "Cooking with gas: Up your outdoor cooking game just in time for summer," 14 June 2018 The walls are filled with propaganda posters, bold in both design — primary colors, strong diagonals — and message — lots of declarative phrases ending in exclamation points, for example. — Charles Desmarais, San Francisco Chronicle, "Dressed to kill: War propaganda kimonos on view at the de Young," 11 May 2018 Among new safety and connectivity technology are seven- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. — G. Chambers Williams Iii, Houston Chronicle, "Chevrolet Equinox turbo-diesel joins lineup," 19 May 2018 Whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, a classic look gets a cheery update. — Marni Elyse Katz, BostonGlobe.com, "Put some pep in your spring look with multicolor stripes," 30 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diagonal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.