# rectangular

/ɹɛkˈtæŋɡjəɫɝ/ (US) · /ɹɛktˈænɡjʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rectangular
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. shape

adjective · CEFR A2

having a shape like a rectangle, with four straight sides and four right angles.

For teachers: having the properties of a rectangle, specifically a quadrilateral with four right angles and equal opposite sides.

- The dining table is rectangular, so it fits perfectly against the long wall.
- The architect designed a series of rectangular glass modules that could be stacked to create a modern office complex.

Usage: Usually non-gradable; an object is either rectangular or it is not.

### 2. at right angles

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

having parts or lines that meet at ninety-degree angles.

For teachers: characterised by axes or components that intersect at right angles.

- The city streets were laid out in a rectangular grid pattern.
- The data was plotted using a rectangular coordinate system to ensure the relationship between the variables remained clear and measurable.

Usage: Commonly used in mathematics and engineering to describe coordinate systems.

## Examples

- The dining table is rectangular and seats six people.
- The architect chose a rectangular layout for the living room to maximize the available floor space.
- The ancient plaza was designed in a strictly rectangular fashion, reflecting the civilization's obsession with geometric order and solar alignment.

---

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.