angular
Americanadjective
-
having an angle or angles.
-
consisting of, situated at, or forming an angle.
-
of, relating to, or measured by an angle.
-
Physics. pertaining to quantities related to a revolving body that are measured in reference to its axis of revolution.
-
bony, lean, or gaunt.
a tall, angular man.
- Antonyms:
- rotund
-
acting or moving awkwardly.
- Antonyms:
- graceful
-
stiff in manner; unbending.
adjective
-
lean or bony
-
awkward or stiff in manner or movement
-
having an angle or angles
-
placed at an angle
-
measured by an angle or by the rate at which an angle changes
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of angular
1590–1600; < Latin angulāris having corners or angles, equivalent to angul ( us ) angle 1 + -āris -ar 1
Explanation
Whether it’s a face with strikingly lean bone structure, a tall rectangular building, or something written in Arabic script, anything that is characterized by sharp angles can be described as angular. The word angular describes objects that have sharp angles, such as something with many corners and few soft curves. You’ll also hear it used to describe a person’s face or body. A tall, thin person with prominent bones can be described as angular. The word can be used figuratively to describe movements that are jerky and not smooth, such as the angular dance moves that go with a fast rock song.
Vocabulary lists containing angular
Words to Describe a Work of Art
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Lesson 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Fox" by Malinda Lo
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gas flowing inward and the pull of gravity create angular momentum, setting these systems in motion.
From Science Daily • May 7, 2026
Churchill was a short, stout, luxury-loving aristocrat, while de Gaulle was a tall, angular ascetic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
The new wing was designed by Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas with Cooper Robertson, and has the geometric look of angular mesh enveloping an open stair case, elevator shafts and display spaces.
From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026
His angular head topped with a green felt crown; his toothy mouth a sinister, grimacing gash; his eyes blackened with what looks like charcoal.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026
Like them too, she was angular and without flesh.
From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
