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

To help prevent the fabric around the drawstring hole from fraying, paint a rectangle and snip an opening in the channel as described below. — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026

Heilmann took the supposedly impersonal unit of modern art, the rectangle, and embodied it. — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

That means an 8- or 9-inch round or oval dish, 8-inch square, or 11-by-7-inch rectangle. — Martha Stewart, 18 Aug. 2026

Most striking is the island, whose sculptural marble departs from a simple rectangle with a dramatic, faceted cutaway. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026

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"