rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryoblongElongated shape
adjective / noun

oblong

AHB-lawng/ˈɑblɔŋ/

A shape longer than it is wide, usually rectangular or oval.

Both the wooden tray and oval platter have oblong shapes.

A simple overhead view of an elongated rectangular wooden tray beside an elongated oval ceramic platter, both clearly longer than they are wide.
Etymology
obLatintoward; perhaps adds emphasis
+longLatinlong

Longus supplies the idea of length, with ob- perhaps strengthening it. The Latin compound meant somewhat long or longer than broad, matching the unequal dimensions of an oblong shape.

In context

Libranima634:25
an oblong mass of masonry fifteen feet in height, thirty wide, forty long
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • She rolls the dough into an oblong before cutting it.
  • The oblong table seats six people comfortably.
  • He draws two oblongs, one rectangular and one oval.

Forms

oblong · oblongs

Similar words

elongated
Describes something stretched or long, without specifying its outline.
rectangular
Specifies four right angles, rather than length relative to width.
oval
Specifies a rounded, egglike outline rather than straight sides.