rectilinear
adjective
rec·ti·lin·e·ar
ˌrek-tə-ˈli-nē-ər 
1
: moving in or forming a straight line
rectilinear motion
2
: characterized by straight lines
the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
rectilinearly
adverb
Examples of rectilinear in a Sentence
the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
Recent Examples on the Web
In contrast to the rectilinear blocks at Stonehenge, the Stenness megaliths are thin slabs with angled upper edges, like upside-down guillotine blades.
—
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
On top of being one of the tallest and slimmest buildings in the world, the perfectly rectilinear tower would also be a stark, clean white.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 20 Oct. 2025
Then, balance it with some contrast by adding a few rectilinear pieces.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
Along with those new cabinet styles, Wentz is also seeing more curvy shapes come into kitchens, both white and otherwise, to counteract all the rectilinear shapes inherent in cabinetry and appliances.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rectilinear
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Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
On top of being one of the tallest and slimmest buildings in the world, the perfectly rectilinear tower would also be a stark, clean white.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 20 Oct. 2025
Then, balance it with some contrast by adding a few rectilinear pieces.
—Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
Along with those new cabinet styles, Wentz is also seeing more curvy shapes come into kitchens, both white and otherwise, to counteract all the rectilinear shapes inherent in cabinetry and appliances.
—Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rectilinear
Cite this Entry
“Rectilinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectilinear. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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