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

Graves lie empty, with large rectangular holes where the dead have been exhumed. —ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026

Make a section at the top of your head in a rectangular form, like a mohawk. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 Apr. 2026

There also will be new traffic signals at Ann Morrison Park Boulevard and Shoreline Drive along Americana, and a new rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the entrance to the firefighter memorial entrance for pedestrian crossing along Shoreline. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026

In addition to the countertop surrounding the rectangular sink complete with flip-up extension on the main block, a supplementary counter block tops the refrigerator behind the wet bath on the driver's side. —New Atlas, 15 Apr. 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