rectangle

noun

rect·​an·​gle ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl How to pronounce rectangle (audio)
: a parallelogram all of whose angles are right angles
especially : one with adjacent sides of unequal length

Examples of rectangle in a Sentence

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.
The 205's base is a compact rectangle meant simply for charging. Andrew Gebhart, PCMAG, 11 Mar. 2025 That a little rectangle of cardboard and paper and ink is no match for all the hateful rhetoric about books somehow hurting children. Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025 The communal cells are generally concrete rectangles, without beds or other furnishings. Jack Herrera, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025 Use a spatula to remove the baked eggs and place one egg rectangle towards the bottom of each lavash flatbread. Laura McLively, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectangle

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin rectangulus having a right angle, from Latin rectus right + angulus angle — more at right, angle

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectangle was circa 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Rectangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectangle. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

rectangle

noun
rect·​an·​gle ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl How to pronounce rectangle (audio)
: a four-sided polygon that has four right angles and each pair of opposite sides parallel and of the same length
Etymology

from Latin rectangulus "having a right angle," from earlier Latin rectus "right" and angulus "angle"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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