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 bag keeps its shape with the rigid bottom compartment and top zipper, designed to create a rectangular opening for easier packing. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

The memorial consists of more than 800 rectangular steel pillars, each representing a different county in which a lynching took place. —Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026

Best of all, the rectangular lazy Susan only needs an extra inch of space around the sides to be able to spin. —Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026

In the past, square or rectangular wheels have appeared in vehicles as varied as the 1960s Imperial Crown and the 1970s Austin Allegro. —New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026

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