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

Especially in an era when fans can look at a rectangular box on their TV and tell if the umpire is right. —Kevin Sherrington mar. 9, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026

The 34-year-old accessorized with sleek, rectangular black sunglasses and a structured black leather clutch. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026

The iPhone 17 has two rear cameras, while the iPhone 17 Pro has a large rectangular plateau that houses its three main cameras. —Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026

Ratajkowski completed the look with all-black accessories, carrying a rectangular shoulder bag and $920 strappy sandals, both from the luxury brand. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 4 Mar. 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