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

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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

The painting’s sublime feeling of complete equilibrium derives from the precision with which Leonardo arranges the elements within the diagonal quadrants. — Tom L. Freudenheim, WSJ, "A Portrait Both Sensible and Sensual," 11 Jan. 2019 In an attempt to avoid a total Michelin-man silhouette, the robe closes at the side, crossing over like a wrap dress to incorporate the flattering diagonal line. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Is This the Comfiest Robe Ever? Introducing Offhours, and Their Wearable Duvet," 19 Oct. 2018 Walk your feet out, legs straight and core engaged, in a diagonal slant. — Nicole Tsong, The Seattle Times, "For improved shoulder health, work yourself up to a pullup. Here’s how.," 15 Oct. 2018 Getty ImagesSamir Hussein While the top of the dress was pure navy, the real star of the look was the dress' pleated, multi-colored skirt, which commanded attention in diagonal splashes of blue, green, and pale pink. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Comparing Meghan Markle's Two Very Different Summer Wedding Looks," 5 Aug. 2018 Everything that those participants prioritized is in the new design: A diagonal walkway? — Inga Saffron, Philly.com, "Love Park was supposed to be the People's Park. How did it end up as a granite Sahara?," 26 Apr. 2018 An inverted French manicure, diagonal stripes or classic French tips suddenly feel new again with the matte effect. — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, "This Matte Top Coat Makes Metallic Nail Polish Look So Much Cooler," 7 Dec. 2018 Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a diagonal direction, being careful not to cut through the meat. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "How to Throw a Laid-Back Holiday Party at Home, from the Team at A Summer Day Cafe," 6 Dec. 2018 Just click on the small diagonal arrow that is in the window’s upper-right corner. — Kim Komando, Fox News, "10 useful Gmail settings you'll wish you knew sooner," 4 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Indeed, this collection of 11 stories, stretched on a taut diagonal between Maine and Los Angeles, nimbly kicks us sideways at every turn. — Julie Orringer, New York Times, "Short Stories That Travel the World From a Deliciously Off-Kilter Perspective," 22 June 2018 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

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.