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.
Broad, straight streets intersect at right angles, converging on a central square. Miquel Ros, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 Both opossums and raccoons leave prints that look like those of a tiny human, but the opossum thumb is held at nearly right angles to the rest of the fingers. Steven Sullivan, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025 To avoid harsh glare, turn screens at a right angle to windows or use an anti-glare filter. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025 Conversely, the Edge has a flat-sided frame that forms right angles with the front and rear glass panels. Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Right angle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right%20angle. Accessed 9 Oct. 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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