noun
parallelogram
par-uh-LEL-uh-gram
Parallelogram (noun) means a flat four-sided shape in which each pair of opposite sides is parallel and equal in length. Example: “She drew a parallelogram and labelled each corner.”
noun
1
geometry A flat four-sided shape in which each pair of opposite sides is parallel and equal in length.
"She drew a parallelogram and labelled each corner."
"A rectangle is a special kind of parallelogram."
"The area of a parallelogram is its base multiplied by its height."
How to use parallelogram
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA four-sided shape with two pairs of parallel sides.
When to use it
It is a standard mathematical term, used in everyday speech mainly when describing shapes.
Memory tip
Think of a rectangle pushed sideways: the opposite sides stay parallel.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
draw a parallelogram
area of a parallelogram
opposite sides of a parallelogram
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She drew a _____ and labelled each corner.
Etymology
The word comes from Latin parallelogrammum, which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek words for parallel and line.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for parallelogram
program
ideogram
kilogram
hologram
monogram
sonogram
mammogram
angiogram
reprogram
electrocardiogram
See all rhymes for parallelogram →
Frequently asked questions
What is a parallelogram?
A parallelogram is a convex four-sided shape whose opposite sides are parallel and of equal length.
Is a square a parallelogram?
Yes. A square is a type of parallelogram, as are the rectangle and the rhombus.
What is the plural of parallelogram?
The plural is parallelograms.
What is the meaning of parallelogram?
"parallelogram" (noun) means a flat four-sided shape in which each pair of opposite sides is parallel and equal in length.
