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

Meanwhile, line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar in center of sheet, spreading into rough 10 by 8-inch rectangle. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026

Geekom is one of the most consistent companies in the micro PC market, reliably knocking out little rectangles packed with processing power at ultra-low prices. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

The strike zone is a 17-inch-wide rectangle that will change slightly depending on the height of the batter. —Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Trattoria ZaZa specializes in Roman-style pizza al taglio, hearty rectangles accented by everything from bacon to capers. —Bob Carlton, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 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"