rectangular

adjective

rect·​an·​gu·​lar rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər 

1

: shaped like a rectangle

a rectangular area

2

a

: crossing, lying, or meeting at a right angle

rectangular axes

b

: having edges, surfaces, or faces that meet at right angles : having faces or surfaces shaped like rectangles

rectangular parallelepipeds

a rectangular solid

rectangularity

(ˌ)rek-ˌtaŋ-gyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-tē

noun

rectangularly

rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər-lē 

adverb

Examples of rectangular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The front could be mistaken for a courthouse or temple, with rectangular columns holding up a triangular pediment, all of which marked the entrance to what was once called Eagles Hall. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025

Next, fold each sleeve across the body to create a rectangular shape. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

The magic of blasting down a wall of water balanced on a few pounds of Styrofoam doesn’t typically translate to the rectangular page; too many efforts feel pompous, ponderous or preening. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025

In preparation for the new attraction, Electric Park expanded by three acres, and a 100’ by 300’ rectangular enclosure was built containing manmade pools and sandy slopes. —Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rectangular

• rectangular coordinate

Rhymes for rectangular

• quadrangular
• subangular
• triangular
• angular
• subtriangular

Kids Definition

rectangular

adjective

rect·​an·​gu·​lar rek-ˈtaŋ-gyə-lər 

1

: shaped like a rectangle

a rectangular building

2

: having edges, faces, or surfaces that meet at right angles : having faces or surfaces shaped like rectangles

a rectangular solid

rectangular blocks