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Oblong vs. Rectangle: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Oblong refers to a flat shape with longer sides than ends, often an elongated rectangle; a rectangle is a shape with four right angles and opposite sides of equal length.
Oblong vs. Rectangle

Key Differences

Oblong typically describes a shape that is longer in one direction than the other, resembling an elongated circle or rectangle. It suggests a form that is noticeably longer than it is wide. Rectangle, however, is a more specific term in geometry, referring to a quadrilateral with four right angles and opposite sides of equal length.
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Nov 21, 2023
In everyday use, oblong is often used to describe objects or areas that are not strictly geometric, such as tables or gardens, emphasizing their elongated nature. Rectangle, on the other hand, is used for shapes with precise right angles and is often associated with more mathematical or technical contexts.
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The term oblong does not necessarily imply right angles or equal-length sides, focusing more on the elongated aspect of the shape. Rectangle is defined by its right angles and the equality of opposite sides, making it a subset of parallelograms in geometry.
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Oblong shapes can include rectangles but also encompass other elongated shapes without right angles. It is a more general term than rectangle and is less rigid in its geometric requirements, allowing for a greater variety of elongated shapes.
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In architecture and design, oblong is used to describe spaces or objects that have a stretched appearance, while rectangle is used when precise dimensions and angles are important, such as in building layouts or room designs.
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Comparison Chart

Shape Definition

Elongated shape, longer than wide, not strictly right-angled
Quadrilateral with four right angles and equal opposite sides
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Geometric Precision

Less precise, focuses on elongation
Precise, defined by right angles and side equality
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Common Usage

Describes non-geometric objects with elongated shapes
Used in mathematical, technical, or design contexts with precise angles
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Variability

Can include a variety of elongated shapes
Strictly confined to right-angled shapes
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Inclusion

Can include rectangles
Cannot include non-right-angled shapes
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Oblong and Rectangle Definitions

Oblong

A shape resembling a stretched circle or rectangle.
She wore a pendant with an oblong stone.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 21, 2023

Rectangle

A quadrilateral with four right angles.
The classroom was shaped like a perfect rectangle.
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Nov 21, 2023

Oblong

An elongated form without strict geometric constraints.
The garden was designed in an oblong pattern.
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Rectangle

A figure with precise angles and dimensions.
The rectangular park was divided into several play areas.
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Oblong

An elongated shape, longer than it is wide.
The oblong table fit perfectly in the narrow dining room.
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Rectangle

A basic geometric shape with equal opposite sides.
The flag was divided into four rectangles of different colors.
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Oblong

A shape often used to describe non-geometric objects.
The pool was oblong, ideal for swimming laps.
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Rectangle

A shape where opposite sides are equal and parallel.
She cut the paper into several small rectangles.
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Oblong

Longer in length than in width or height.
The oblong window allowed more light into the room.
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Rectangle

A right-angled shape used in geometry and design.
The architect designed the building floor plan as a series of rectangles.
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Oblong

Deviating from a square, circular, or spherical form by being elongated in one direction.
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Oct 19, 2023

Rectangle

A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

Having the shape of or resembling a rectangle or ellipse.
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Rectangle

(geometry) Any quadrilateral having opposing sides parallel and four right angles.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

(Botany) Having an elongated form with approximately parallel sides
An oblong leaf.
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Rectangle

(nontechnical) Such a quadrilateral that is oblong (longer than it is wide): one that is not regular (equilateral), that is, any except a square.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

An object or figure, such as a rectangle, with an elongated shape.
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Rectangle

A four-sided figure having only right angles; a right-angled parallelogram.
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Oblong

Having a length and width that are different; not square or circular.
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Rectangle

Rectangular.
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Oblong

Roughly rectangular or elliptical.
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Rectangle

A parallelogram with four right angles
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Oblong

(bookmaking) Having the horizontal axis of a page longer than the vertical; In landscape orientation.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

Something with an oblong shape.
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Oblong

A rectangle with length and width that are different.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

An ellipse with minor and major axes that are different.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

To extend so as to form an oblong shape.
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Oblong

To give an oblong shape to.
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Oblong

Having greater length than breadth, esp. when rectangular.
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

A rectangular figure longer than it is broad; hence, any figure longer than it is broad.
The best figure of a garden I esteem an oblong upon a descent.
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Oblong

A plane figure that deviates from a square or circle due to elongation
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Oblong

Of a leaf shape; having a somewhat elongated form with approximately parallel sides
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Oct 19, 2023

Oblong

Deviating from a square or circle or sphere by being elongated in one direction
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Are all rectangles oblong?

Technically, yes, since they are longer on two sides.
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Nov 21, 2023

Can oblong shapes have curved edges?

Yes, oblong shapes can include elongated curves.
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Is oblong a geometric term?

It's used in geometry but is less precise than specific terms like rectangle.
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Is every oblong a rectangle?

No, not all oblong shapes have the right angles required of a rectangle.
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Do oblong shapes have to be symmetrical?

No, symmetry is not a requirement for a shape to be oblong.
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Nov 21, 2023

Is a rectangle always a parallelogram?

Yes, since it has opposite sides that are parallel and equal.
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Do all sides of a rectangle have to be straight?

Yes, rectangles have straight, linear sides.
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Can a rectangle be described as oblong?

Yes, if it's noticeably longer than it is wide.
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Nov 21, 2023

Is a square a type of rectangle?

Yes, a square is a special case of a rectangle with all sides equal.
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Are the angles in a rectangle always 90 degrees?

Yes, by definition, all four angles in a rectangle are 90 degrees.
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Are oblong shapes common in nature?

Yes, many natural objects have oblong shapes.
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Can oblong be used to describe three-dimensional objects?

Yes, it can describe the general shape of 3D objects.
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Is an oval considered oblong?

Yes, an oval is a type of oblong shape.
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Nov 21, 2023

Are all geometric shapes either oblong or rectangle?

No, there are many other geometric shapes beyond oblongs and rectangles.
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Can rectangles be used in circular designs?

Yes, though they maintain their right-angled, linear characteristics.
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Can a rectangle be both long and wide?

Yes, but its defining feature is its right angles, not dimensions.
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Nov 21, 2023

Are oblong shapes used in architecture?

Yes, particularly in modern and contemporary designs.
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Can furniture be oblong?

Yes, many furniture pieces have an oblong shape.
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Nov 21, 2023

Does oblong imply a specific size?

No, oblong describes shape, not size.
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Is a rhombus a rectangle?

No, a rhombus doesn't typically have right angles.
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Nov 21, 2023

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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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