oblong

American  

[ob-lawng, -long] / ˈɒbˌlɔŋ, -ˌlɒŋ /

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.

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noun

1. an oblong figure.

oblong British  

/ ˈɒbˌlɒŋ /

adjective

1. having an elongated, esp rectangular, shape

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noun

1. a figure or object having this shape

Other Word Forms

• oblongish
  adjective
• oblongly
  adverb
• oblongness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of oblong

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

Explanation

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.

Example Sentences

By the end of May, Oblong had sold 7,355 copies of “The Rural Diaries” — an impressive number even in ordinary times.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2020

Oblong faces with longer foreheads are suited for more narrow styles.

From Golf Digest • Jun. 26, 2018

Oblong in shape, they were dark brown and chipped with age.

From Washington Post • Jul. 13, 2016

Oblong and ethereal without sacrificing hooks or melody, the group's first single in five years mixes synthetic rhythms with Carla Azar's steady if restrained voice and enough melody to make it sticky.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2015

Among the earliest varieties recognized by botanists, one was called Oblong Black Walnut, Juglans nigra oblonga, by Miller, 1754, and perhaps in earlier editions of the "Gardener's Dictionary."

From The Nut Culturist A Treatise on Propogation, Planting, and Cultivation of Nut Bearing Trees and Shrubs Adapted to the Climate of the United States by Fuller, Andrew S.