# polygon

/ˈpɑɫɪˌɡɑn/ (US) · /pˈɒlɪɡən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polygon
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a flat shape with at least three straight sides and angles. Common examples include triangles, squares, and hexagons.

For teachers: a closed plane figure bounded by three or more straight line segments. Each segment meets exactly two others at its endpoints, forming a series of interior angles.

## Examples

- A square is a polygon with four equal sides.
- The architect used a complex polygon as the base for the new museum's courtyard.
- In computer graphics, 3D models are typically constructed from thousands of small polygons that together form a smooth-looking surface when rendered.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in geometry and computer science; often modified by 'regular' to indicate equal sides and angles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.