di·ag·o·nal
dī-ˈa-gə-nᵊl 
-ˈag-nəl
1
a
: joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same face
b
: passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron
a diagonal plane
2
a
: inclined obliquely from a reference line (such as the vertical)
wood with a diagonal grain
b
: having diagonal markings or parts
a diagonal weave
1
: a diagonal straight line or plane
2
a(1)
: a diagonal direction
(2)
: a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
b
: something oriented in diagonal position
3
Synonyms
Examples of diagonal in a Sentence
Adjective
The blanket is covered with diagonal stripes.
the diagonal design ran up the wall all the way from the lower left to the upper right-hand corner
Noun
a design with strong diagonals
the ramp was set at a low diagonal to make it easier for physically challenged patrons
Recent Examples on the Web
Ty Gaskins, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024
This house is for fans of diagonal lines like the ones shown in this listing photo.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Sep. 2024
Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024
Note how wave 4 went into wave 1 territory – this is typical of diagonals.
—Beth Kindig, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diagonal 
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Adjective
The dress was accented by fringe trims, arranged in diagonal patterns that added depth and movement.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024
This house is for fans of diagonal lines like the ones shown in this listing photo.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Sep. 2024
Noun
So, too, does the drama of his composition, which pits rows of people against the diagonals of the rocky outcroppings all around—a Giotto-esque flourish, to be sure, but one filtered through Duccio’s personal tastes.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024
Note how wave 4 went into wave 1 territory – this is typical of diagonals.
—Beth Kindig, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for diagonal
Dictionary Entries Near diagonal
Cite this Entry
“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagonal. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diagonal
1 of 2 adjective
di·ag·o·nal
dī-ˈag-ən-ᵊl
-ˈag-nəl
1
: joining two opposite corners of a four-sided figure
2
: running in a slanting direction
diagonally
adverb
-ən-ᵊl-ē
-nə-lē
diagonal
2 of 2 noun1
: a diagonal line or direction
2
: a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
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