rectangle

noun

rect·​an·​gle ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl How to pronounce rectangle (audio)
Synonyms of rectanglenext
: 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 setting sun streamed into the room, and a narrow rectangle of light blazed beneath the window. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Two opposite sides of this rectangle were situated on two parallel streets, Avenida Londres and Avenida Berlin. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 Deer Park’s screen is just a standard rectangle, lit by a single laser digital projector that can’t display the film’s full aspect ratio. — Lane Brown, Vulture, 25 July 2026 At the extreme end, weak edtech can reduce teachers to classroom monitors, passively watching students complete tasks on their glowing rectangles. — Richard Carranza, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

rectal
rectangle
rectangled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectangle. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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"

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