right angle

noun

: the angle bounded by two lines perpendicular to each other : an angle of 90° or ¹/₂ π radians
right-angled adjective
or right-angle

Examples of right angle in a Sentence

A square has four right angles. Hold the nail at a right angle to the board. The two boards are joined at right angles to each other.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After talking to the boys for about five minutes, deputies fired a non-lethal projectile toward the boys and moved in quickly at the right angle to grab the gun from the kids. Elise Preston, CBS News, 13 May 2025 Another way to alternate is to mow at a right angle to your previous cut. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025 Take a big step out to the left and bend your left knee at a right angle while sending your hips behind you. Alyssa Ages, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 As a result, the Mars Triangle will become altered again, resembling a more of a right triangle configuration on March 10, with the hypotenuse formed by Mars and Castor and the right angle at Pollux. Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for right angle

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of right angle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Right angle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right%20angle. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

right angle

noun
: an angle whose measure is 90° : an angle whose sides are perpendicular to each other
right-angled
ˈrīt-ˈaŋ-gəld
adjective
or right-angle
-gəl

More from Merriam-Webster on right angle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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