rectangle

noun rect·an·gle \ ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of rectangle

: a parallelogram all of whose angles are right angles; especially : one with adjacent sides of unequal length

See rectangle defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of rectangle from the Web

To assemble the cake: Place first layer on a cardboard cake rectangle.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Ocean Prime Orlando's 10 layer cake a fresh take on carrot cake," 28 Mar. 2018
With a sharp knife, lightly score pastry dough 1 inch in from the edges to mark a rectangle.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Welcome springtime with these beautiful brunch recipes," 25 Mar. 2018
Carnes noted the building is rectangle, which is much more conducive to the way the NCAA likes to arrange its seating for the Final Four and improves sight lines for many as compared with similar seating in oval football stadiums.

— kyle ringo, San Antonio Express-News, "25 and counting: Alamodome fights to remain viable as Final Four site," 24 Mar. 2018
Instead of your standard rectangle, the newest styles come in ovals, squares, and even a pentagon.

— lindsay peoples wagner, The Cut, "All You Need Is One Thing to Update Your Closet," 7 Mar. 2018
Standing beneath one of the twin granite Manhattan Towers, all arches and rectangles with city skyscrapers rising in the distance, will at once inspire a sense of grandiosity and slightness.

— katie james watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, "25 Best Things to Do in New York," 1 Mar. 2018
Dough scraps can be rerolled to get the amount of rectangles needed.

— terri milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Spread the love: Nutella is a chocolaty kiss of bliss for your valentine (or you)," 2 Feb. 2018
On a floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 16-inch-by-10-inch rectangle.

— susan selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Welcome springtime with these beautiful brunch recipes," 25 Mar. 2018
But today’s homeowners are experimenting with different dimensions and shapes, from rectangles to hexagons.

— kit waskom pollard, baltimoresun.com, "Trendy uses for tile in Baltimore kitchens and bathrooms," 21 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of rectangle

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1560

See Words from the same year

RECTANGLE Defined for English Language Learners

rectangle

noun

Definition of rectangle for English Language Learners

geometry : a four-sided shape that is made up of two pairs of parallel lines and that has four right angles; especially : a shape in which one pair of lines is longer than the other pair

RECTANGLE Defined for Kids

rectangle

noun rect·an·gle \ ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl \

Definition of rectangle for Students

: a flat geometric four-sided figure with right angles and with opposite sides parallel

Word Root of rectangle

The Latin word rēctus, meaning “straight” or “right,” gives us the root rect. Words from the Latin rēctus have something to do with being straight or correct. Something erect stands straight up. Something correct is right. A rectangle is a shape made of four straight lines and four right angles.