Oblong - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT oblong /ˌɑbˈlɔŋ/ /ˈɒblɔŋ/ IPA guide

Other forms: oblongs

If you take a rectangle or a circle and stretch it out, you end up with an elongated shape called an oblong. If you stretch a circle until it becomes an oval, you've made it oblong.

First consider the Latin word longus, which means "long," and the prefix "ob," which refers to some direction. It makes sense, then, that an oblong should be an elongated shape, stretched long in one direction. It can be used a noun or an adjective. If your dining room table is an oblong, you're going to need an oblong tablecloth.

Definitions of oblong

adjective deviating from a square or circle or sphere by being elongated in one direction synonyms: long primarily spatial sense; of relatively great or greater than average spatial extension or extension as specified
adjective (of a leaf shape) having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides synonyms: simple, unsubdivided (botany) of leaf shapes; of leaves having no divisions or subdivisions
noun a plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation see moresee less type of: plane figure, two-dimensional figure a two-dimensional shape

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