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

Most rectangular pieces feature a menu item — written in Japanese and English — as well as a price. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025

All iPhones are expected to receive rectangular camera bumps with rounded corners. —PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025

Our top picks include round, rectangular, and high-top styles, all compact enough to fit tight spaces, but still roomy enough for dinner plates, drinks, and conversation. —Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

If the planet is in another orientation, the rectangular telescope can then be rotated. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Sep. 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