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 Word Forms

• oblongish adjective
• oblongly adverb
• oblongness 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

There’s something rather whimsical about eating the oblong fruit.

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The smallest of its windowless chambers was an irregular oblong box which was commonly referred to as "the Coffin", and was believed to be Robert Burns' favoured seat in the Tavern.

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

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Belts had oblong buckles resembling a vehicle grating.

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

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