oblong

[ ob-lawng, -long ]

adjective

1. elongated, usually from the square or circular form.
2. in the form of a rectangle one of whose dimensions is greater than the other.

noun

1. an oblong figure.

oblong

/ ˈɒbˌlɒŋ /

adjective

1. having an elongated, esp rectangular, shape

noun

1. a figure or object having this shape

Other Words From

• oblong·ish adjective
• oblong·ly adverb
• oblong·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblong¹

1375–1425; late Middle English oblonge < Latin oblongus rather long, equivalent to ob- ob- + longus long ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of oblong¹

C15: from Latin oblongus, from ob- (intensive) + longus long ¹

Example Sentences

Unlike table grapes, which tend to be oblong, muscadines are round, with particularly shiny flesh.

From Salon

Belts had oblong buckles resembling a vehicle grating.

From Seattle Times

For now, it's an oblong shell with builders soldering, plastering and hammering, every way you turn.

From BBC

We watch De Jaen fiddle — connecting and disconnecting wires, periodically tilting the glass oblongs to see whether anything happens.

From Seattle Times

The rockets were contained in long oblong cages, possibly used to transport them.

From New York Times