Shapes in English

24 must-know shape words (plus bonus vocab for edges, corners, and angles)

Shapes show up everywhere: maps, menus, math homework, IKEA instructions, and that one “modern art” logo that looks like a potato in a suit.

This list gives you the everyday names people actually use, plus a few “proper” terms so you can sound confident in class, at work, or while arguing about road signs.

Quick tip: “-gon” means a polygon with straight sides.

“Diamond” is common in daily speech; “rhombus” is the formal math name.

2D vs 3D: flat shapes vs solid shapes you can actually bump into.

Yak Snark Real life shape vocabulary

If you call everything “a circle-ish thing,” people will still understand you… but they’ll also quietly judge you. Let’s upgrade your shape game.

1) Visual shape cards

Tap Hear to practice. These are the shapes you’ll use all the time.

◯

circle 2D

A perfectly round shape with no corners.

The kids sat in a circle on the floor.

△

triangle 2D

A shape with three sides and three corners.

Cut the sandwich into a triangle.

□

square 2D

A shape with four equal sides and four right angles.

This photo looks best in a square frame.

▭

rectangle 2D

A four-sided shape with four right angles; opposite sides are equal.

The table is a long rectangle.

⬟

pentagon 2D

A five-sided polygon.

The logo is shaped like a pentagon.

⬢

hexagon 2D

A six-sided polygon.

Honeycomb cells look like hexagons.

★

star 2D

A shape with pointed arms (often five points).

Draw a star next to your favorite idea.

🧊

cube 3D

A solid shape with six equal square faces.

The ice cube melted fast in my drink.

2) Table of shape words

More shapes, more power. Every row includes a simple meaning, an example, and a Hear button.

Word	Meaning	Example
oval OH-vul	An egg-like shape; longer than a circle.	The mirror is an oval, so it makes the hallway look taller.
right triangle RITE TRY-ang-guhl	A triangle with one 90-degree angle.	The ramp supports form a right triangle for strength.
equilateral triangle ee-kwi-LAT-er-uhl	A triangle with three equal sides.	The warning sign was an equilateral triangle with a bold border.
parallelogram par-uh-LEL-uh-gram	A four-sided shape with opposite sides parallel.	The pattern repeats in slanted parallelograms across the wall.
trapezoid TRAP-uh-zoyd	A four-sided shape with at least one pair of parallel sides (US usage).	The lampshade looks like a trapezoid from the side.
rhombus ROM-bus	A four-sided shape with all sides equal (angles may differ).	The tile design uses a rhombus shape for that “fancy math” vibe.
octagon OK-tuh-gon	An eight-sided polygon.	Stop signs are octagons in many countries.
decagon DEK-uh-gon	A ten-sided polygon.	The board game uses a decagon space for the final round.
crescent KREH-sent	A thin curved shape like part of a moon.	A crescent moon hung low over the city.
heart HART	A common symbol shape for love and affection.	She drew a heart on the note and folded it neatly.
spiral SPY-rul	A curve that winds around a center point.	The shell has a spiral pattern that looks almost perfect.
zigzag ZIG-zag	A line that goes back and forth in sharp angles.	The trail zigzags up the hill to make the climb easier.
cylinder SIL-in-der	A 3D shape with two circular ends and a curved side.	The can is a cylinder, which makes it easy to stack.
cone KOHN	A 3D shape with a circular base that narrows to a point.	He bought an ice cream cone and ate it too fast.
sphere SFEER	A perfectly round 3D shape, like a ball.	The ornament is a shiny sphere that reflects the lights.
pyramid PEER-uh-mid	A 3D shape with a base and triangular sides meeting at a point.	The museum display includes a glass pyramid model.

Tiny cheat: in everyday English, people often say “a circle,” “a triangle,” or “a box shape.” In math class, the exact terms matter more.

3) Optional variants and bonus words

Because English loves having two names for the same thing. This is why learners deserve snacks.

Term	Also said as	When people use it	Example
trapezoid	trapezium (UK)	US vs UK naming can differ. Ask your teacher which one they want.	In UK English, a trapezium can appear in geometry exercises.
rhombus	diamond	“Diamond” is casual and common; “rhombus” is the math name.	That playing card symbol is a diamond shape.
oval	ellipse	“Ellipse” sounds more technical (math/physics), “oval” is everyday.	The planet travels in an elliptical orbit.
cube	cuboid (UK) / rectangular prism	A cube has equal edges; a cuboid has rectangular faces and can be longer.	The cereal box is a cuboid, not a cube.
star	asterisk (for this symbol: *)	People say “asterisk” for the typing symbol, “star” for drawings.	Please add an asterisk to the required fields.
circle	ring (when it’s hollow)	A “ring” often means a circle with an empty middle.	The logo has a blue ring around the text.

Bonus word	Meaning	Example
side SYDE	A straight edge of a 2D shape.	This triangle has three sides.
corner KOR-ner	Where two sides meet; also called a point in daily speech.	The paper has a torn corner.
angle ANG-guhl	The space between two lines that meet.	The chair leg makes a sharp angle with the floor.
edge EJ	A line where two faces meet (often used for 3D shapes).	The cube has 12 edges.
point POYNT	A sharp end or tip.	The cone has a point at the top.
curve KERV	A smooth, bending line (not straight).	The road follows a gentle curve along the river.

Speaking tip: if you forget a shape name, describe it. “It’s round,” “it has five sides,” “it’s like a box,” or “it’s pointy.” Communication wins.

Yak Snark The rhombus situation

Yes, “rhombus” is a real word. No, you don’t have to love it. But the moment you say it correctly, you gain +10 math wizard points.