right angle

noun

: the angle bounded by two lines perpendicular to each other : an angle of 90° or ¹/₂ π radians
right-angled adjective
or right-angle

Examples of right angle in a Sentence

A square has four right angles. Hold the nail at a right angle to the board. The two boards are joined at right angles to each other.
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.
The crossover gate is located in Turn 4 and presents a serious hazard if a car hits it at just the right angle to cause carnage. Bruce Martin, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Even with a dozen or so cameras, the right angle isn’t always visible to view entire plays. Ben Dowsett, WIRED, 14 Aug. 2024 That chance depends on it being hit by another asteroid or some other object in space at just the right angle to redirect it and send it our way. Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 Moreover, Hurricane Milton is expected to arrive at a right angle and hit Florida’s coast head-on. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for right angle 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of right angle was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near right angle

Cite this Entry

“Right angle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right%20angle. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

right angle

noun
: an angle whose measure is 90° : an angle whose sides are perpendicular to each other
right-angled
ˈrīt-ˈaŋ-gəld
adjective
or right-angle
-gəl

More from Merriam-Webster on right angle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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