horizontal

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adjective hor·i·zon·tal \ˌhȯr-ə-ˈzän-t^əl, ˌhär-\

Definition of horizontal

1a : of or relating to the apparent junction of earth and sky : situated near the horizonb : parallel to, in the plane of, or operating in a plane parallel to the horizon or to a baseline : level horizontal distance a horizontal engine
2 : relating to, directed toward, or consisting of individuals or entities of similar status or on the same level horizontal mergers horizontal hostility

horizontal

noun

horizontality

play \ˌhȯr-ə-ˌzän-ˈta-lə-tē, ˌhär-\ noun

horizontally

play \ˌhȯr-ə-ˈzän-t^əl-ē, ˌhär-\ adverb

See horizontal defined for English-language learners

See horizontal defined for kids

Recent Examples of horizontal from the Web

The branches are trained in a long horizontal pattern that looks a little like how a grapevine might grow.

— roxie hammill, kansascity, "Options abound for gardening in a small space", 2 June 2017
In an otherwise horizontal bedroom landscape (a queen-size mattress on the floor), the hamper looms high and white above the rest of the room.

— gene tempest, New York Times, "What No One Ever Tells You About Tiny Homes", 2 June 2017
The officer was unable to conduct a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus — where a suspect’s eyes are checked for signs of impairment.

— roger simmons, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Tiger Woods found asleep at the wheel, confused, police report says", 30 May 2017
Belkin Car Vent Mount Most cars have air-conditioning vents with horizontal fins to direct the air.

— jim rossman, The Seattle Times, "Three devices that make it safer to use your phone while driving", 26 May 2017
The crouching position that modern starting blocks impose facilitates a horizontal surge of energy.

— janelle peters, The Atlantic, "The Device That Democratized the Foot Race", 26 May 2017
Wearing the suit increases lift and allows the skydiver to fly horizontal distances at a slower descent rate, increasing their time in freefall.

— associated press, latimes.com, "Skydiver wearing a wingsuit crashes, dies in Northern California vineyard", 25 May 2017
The dozens-strong crew began by drilling horizontal support beams in the tomb’s base to hold a new concrete foundation.

— rachel brown, National Geographic, "This Medieval Tomb Weighs 1,100 Tons. Watch Workers Move it On Wheels", 23 May 2017
Horizontal trusses support hanging fabric screens, which can be sturdy enough to hold a whiteboard or gauzy enough to see through.

— paul spinrad, WIRED, "Just Outta Beta", 1 Oct. 1999

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

Origin and Etymology of horizontal

see horizon

NEW!

First Known Use: 1555

See Words from the same year

HORIZONTAL Defined for English Language Learners

horizontal

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adjective

Definition of horizontal for English Language Learners

: positioned from side to side rather than up and down : parallel to the ground

HORIZONTAL Defined for Kids

horizontal

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adjective hor·i·zon·tal \ˌhȯr-ə-ˈzän-t^əl\

Definition of horizontal for Students

: lying flat or level : parallel to the horizon

horizontally

adverb

horizontal

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noun hor·i·zon·tal

Definition of horizontal for Students

: something (as a line or plane) that is parallel to the horizon

Medical Dictionary

horizontal

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adjective hor·i·zon·tal \ˌhȯr-ə-ˈzänt-^əl, ˌhär-\

Medical Definition of horizontal

1: relating to or being a transverse plane or section of the body
2a: relating to or being transmission (as of a disease) by physical contact or proximity in contrast with inheritance—compare verticalb: of or relating to horizontal gene transfer