rectilinear

adjective

rec·​ti·​lin·​e·​ar ˌrek-tə-ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce rectilinear (audio)
1
: moving in or forming a straight line
rectilinear motion
2
: characterized by straight lines
the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
3
rectilinearity noun
rectilinearly adverb

Examples of rectilinear in a Sentence

the rectilinear skyline of a modern city
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plant a Lush Landscape To soften the edges of the rectilinear pond, the homeowners planted a mass of hostas along the top of the retaining wall. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025 Encased in a modern rectilinear form, this lantern head feels like an innovative spin on a timeless fixture. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025 Goode almost always worked in a series — for instance, making multiple sculptures of staircases whose orderly repetition of rectilinear treads and risers put a domestic tongue firmly in the industrial cheek of Minimalist art’s crisp geometry. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025 Today the vast site includes beautiful views of neighboring peaks and highlights Roman city planning, robust rectilinear stone roadways, thermopolia fast food cafés and frescos of mythical characters. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectilinear

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin rectilineus, from Latin rectus + linea line

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectilinear was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Rectilinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectilinear. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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