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

The design, a spherical vessel perched on a rectangular base, is a physical homage to the dichotomies in the scent itself. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2025

The Ring Outdoor Cam's sleek cylindrical enclosure looks nothing like its boxy rectangular predecessor. —PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

The bench also comes with a water-resistant rectangular cushion for the top, which converts it into comfortable extra seating for guests to enjoy. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025

The tapered block feet and rectangular shape are timeless for a dresser, and the rich brown wood’s visible grain has an old world feel. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 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