English Reference
Noun

oblong

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɑbɫɔŋ/ UK /ˈɒblɒŋ/ ob·long UK spelling oblongs

n.a shape that is longer in one direction than the other, like a rectangle. It is a common word for things that are not perfectly round or square.

n.a shape or object that is longer in one dimension than in another, typically resembling a rectangle. Often used to describe the physical dimensions of objects or the general form of a figure.


SIMPLE

The table has an oblong shape.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect designed the building with an oblong floor plan to maximize the amount of natural light entering the central atrium.

COMPLEX

The artist's signature style is characterized by the use of oblong forms, which he uses to create a sense of movement and perspective within the static canvas.


From Middle English oblong, oblonge, borrowed from Latin oblongus.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin oblongus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated