oblong
/ˈɒblɒŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɑːblɔːŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈä-ˌblȯŋ/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɒb.lɒŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɑː.blɑːŋ/ (ame, ipa)
oblong — noun
- oblongsingular
- oblongsplural
1. A rectangle where the two longer facing sides are noticeably more extended than
A rectangle where the two longer facing sides are noticeably more extended than the two shorter ones — a right-angled shape that is stretched lengthwise rather than being square.
Ana measured the shape as a 12 cm by 8 cm oblong.
oblong as a countable noun following dimensions
The architect designed the room as a large oblong with windows along the longer walls.
describing a room shape
Each brick is a clay oblong about twenty-two centimetres long and eleven wide.
The mirror was a perfect oblong hanging above the dressing table.
- rectangle
General term for any four-sided shape with right angles; oblong is a specific subtype where length exceeds width.
- oblong shape
Periphrastic alternative used for clarity.
- square
A square has all sides equal, whereas an oblong has two longer sides.
用法筆記
In geometry, an oblong is distinguished from a square by having unequal adjacent sides. Outside geometry, the term is often used more loosely.
常見錯誤
2. Any object or space that is clearly longer in one direction than the other, rega
Any object or space that is clearly longer in one direction than the other, regardless of whether its edges are straight or curved.
The swimming pool was a narrow oblong stretching from the back door to the hedge.
oblong describing a physical space
A thin oblong of light fell through the gap under the door.
oblong of [light] — partitive structure
Kwame cut the soap into small oblongs that fit neatly in the dish.
The football pitch forms a grassy oblong with goalposts at each end.
- elongated shape
Emphasises the stretched appearance without specifying straight or curved edges.
- oval
Refers specifically to a rounded, egg-like shape; an oblong can be oval or rectangular.
用法筆記
This sense does not require the object to have straight sides or right angles — an oval or a rounded shape can also be called an oblong if it is longer than it is wide.
常見錯誤
oblong — adjective
- oblongpositive
- more oblongcomparative
- most oblongsuperlative
1. Having a rectangular outline in which one pair of opposite sides is distinctly m
Having a rectangular outline in which one pair of opposite sides is distinctly more extended than the other pair, so the shape appears stretched lengthwise rather than square.
An oblong mirror hung above the fireplace in the living room.
oblong + mirror (common household object)
The dining table was a large, dark oblong piece of oak furniture.
Sofia placed the oblong ceramic dish in the centre of the table.
The window was an oblong opening framed by heavy wooden shutters.
- rectangular
Describes any shape with four right angles; oblong is a rectangular shape where length > width.
- elongated
Highlights the stretched appearance but may apply to non-rectangular shapes.
- square
Square shapes have all sides equal, unlike oblong shapes.
用法筆記
Like the noun sense, this adjectival sense requires a rectangular outline with right angles. Do not use for objects with rounded or curved edges.
常見錯誤
2. Longer in one direction than the other; describing something stretched in shape
Longer in one direction than the other; describing something stretched in shape rather than round, square, or evenly proportioned.
The plant has narrow, oblong leaves that taper at both ends.
oblong + leaves (botanical context)
Yuki placed the oblong loaf of bread on the wooden cutting board.
An oblong shadow crept across the garden as the late sun dipped lower.
The new building is a grey oblong structure with rows of small square windows.
用法筆記
This is the broader adjective sense and covers everything from oval leaves to rectangular tables — it only requires that one dimension clearly exceeds the other.