oblong

USAGE SUMMARY

"oblong" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the shape of something that is longer than it is wide. For example, "The lake had an oblong shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fruit is pyriform (pear-shaped) to oblong in shape and 5 25 cm (2 10 inches) in diameter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You should also concentrate on the qualities of your temptation that are not so "hot"; so the chocolate isn't melty and rich, it's a brown, plastic-looking oblong approximately 15cm in length.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since, from above, the oval shape of a human head is not unlike the oblong body of a fish, this software can, with a little tweaking, follow piscine antics, too.Robo fishDr Couzin has been using a program developed by Colin Twomey, a graduate student at his laboratory, to track individual fish in a tank.

The Economist

Four plots interweave: the story of Ramanujan in Cambridge; the desire of Ruth, a modern-day lecturer, to have children; an Indian businessman returning from Los Angeles to the subcontinent; an Indian scientist visiting CERN, a particle-physics laboratory.A huge oblong lecture-board becomes a revolving flap through which the nine actors walk from one story, time-zone or culture to another.

The Economist

There were also oblong balls, huge spheres, and Y-shaped things.

The Economist

Some are typical of the style of Chios, with an oblong shape, a high, straight neck and long handles.

The Economist

Applications lie behind oblong tiles designed for fingertips rather than icons for mouse-clicks.

The Economist

But the truckloads of large, oblong potatoes that arrive at the McCain Foods plant in the Mehsana district of Gujarat face a more exacting ordeal.

The Economist

Oblong numbers are the numbers of dots that can be placed in rows and columns in a rectangular array, each row containing one more dot than each column.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under these he wore the alb (a long white vestment), held round the waist by a girdle, and around the neck the amice (a square or oblong, white linen cloth), with the maniple (originally a handkerchief) on the left arm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It climbs to the tops of trees and has alternate, elliptical (oblong oval) leaves 3 7.5 cm (1.25 3 inches) long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing shapes, use "oblong" to specify that an object is longer than it is wide, but avoid using it when a more precise term like "rectangular" or "elliptical" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "oblong" to describe shapes that are irregular or have curved sides. Reserve "oblong" for shapes that are generally rectangular with unequal sides.

Linguistic Context

The word "oblong" primarily functions as an adjective to describe a shape that is elongated, having unequal length and width. According to Ludwig, it is a usable word in written English. It can also function as a noun referring to something that has an oblong shape.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

38%

News & Media

26%

Science

36%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "oblong" serves as a descriptive term, mainly functioning as an adjective to characterize shapes that are longer than they are wide. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in Encyclopedias, News & Media, and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. For variety in writing, consider synonyms like "elongated", "rectangular", or "elliptical". When using "oblong", ensure it accurately reflects the shape; it's best for rectangles with unequal sides, avoiding its application to irregular or highly curved forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oblongish

A less formal term meaning somewhat oblong.

elongated

A more general term indicating something is longer than it is wide.

rectangular

Specifically denotes a four-sided shape with right angles, where opposite sides are equal in length.

elliptical

Describes a shape resembling a flattened circle or oval.

oval

Similar to elliptical, but generally less precise and can describe a wider range of curved shapes.

obovate

Describes an inverted egg shape, wider at the apex than at the base.

fusiform

Tapering at both ends, like a spindle.

dolichomorphic

A technical term referring to an elongated body shape, especially in biological contexts.

lanceolate

Shaped like a lance head; tapering to a point at each end.

extended

Describes something stretched out or made longer.

FAQs

How do you use "oblong" in a sentence?

You can use "oblong" to describe shapes that are longer than they are wide. For example, "The table had an oblong surface."

What is another word for "oblong"?

Alternatives to "oblong" include "elongated", "rectangular", or "elliptical", depending on the specific shape you want to describe.

What is the difference between "oblong" and "oval"?

"Oblong" typically refers to a shape with straight sides and unequal length, similar to a rectangle. "Oval", on the other hand, describes a curved, egg-like shape. While both are elongated, their geometry differs.

Is it correct to say "oblong shape"?

Yes, "oblong shape" is a correct and common usage. It emphasizes the specific geometric characteristic being described. However, using "oblong" alone as an adjective is also perfectly acceptable.