rectangle

noun

rect·​an·​gle ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl 

: a parallelogram all of whose angles are right angles

especially : one with adjacent sides of unequal length

Examples of rectangle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of a neatly spread comforter or duvet, the top blankets were tightly folded into a compact rectangle and placed squarely at the foot of the bed. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

Expansive glass walls, subdivided into rectangles by steel mullions, offer tantalizing glimpses into the daily and work life of its occupants. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 8 Apr. 2025

The display is an oblong rectangle, like a standard full-length mirror. —Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025

Surgeons then shape the tooth into a rectangle, drill a hole into it and glue a plastic optical lens inside the hole. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin rectangulus having a right angle, from Latin rectus right + angulus angle — more at right, angle

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rectangle

noun

rect·​an·​gle ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl 

: a four-sided polygon that has four right angles and each pair of opposite sides parallel and of the same length

Etymology

from Latin rectangulus "having a right angle," from earlier Latin rectus "right" and angulus "angle"