Rectangular: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that has the shape of a rectangle, having opposite sides equal and four right angles. Suitable for general and technical descriptions.

• The classroom had a rectangular layout with desks arranged in rows.
• She placed the rectangular tray on the table.

Typically used to describe something that is longer than it is wide, often with rounded edges. Commonly seen in descriptions of physical shapes that are elongated.

• The garden had an oblong pond decorated with lily pads.
• He picked up the oblong loaf of bread from the bakery.

Describes something with four equal sides and four right angles. Commonly used in everyday language and technical contexts to highlight the equality of length in all sides.

• The artist sketched a perfect square on the canvas.
• They decided to meet at the town square.

More technical and formal, often used in disciplines like geometry and physics to describe lines, motion, or shapes that form straight lines and right angles.

• The engineer explained the rectilinear motion of the machine parts.
• The architecture featured a complex of connected rectilinear structures.

Use when describing objects or shapes with four right angles and opposite sides of equal length. Common in everyday descriptions, geometric contexts, and architecture.

• The room has a rectangular shape with two longer walls and two shorter ones.
• She bought a rectangular table for the dining room.

Best for describing objects that are longer than they are wide, often with rounded edges. Common in everyday language for non-exact shapes and objects.

• He handed me an oblong piece of paper.
• The pills are oblong in shape and easy to swallow.

Specific to geometric contexts, describing a four-sided figure with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length. Useful in mathematical discussions or geometry lessons.

• In geometry class, we learned how to calculate the area of a parallelogram.
• Her project involved drawing different types of parallelograms.

General term for any four-sided shape. Used mainly in mathematical contexts or where a specific type of four-sided figure is not needed.

• A square, rectangle, and parallelogram are all types of quadrilaterals.
• The lesson focused on the properties of different quadrilaterals.