1 diagonal | Definition of diagonal
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diagonal

adjective
di·​ag·​o·​nal | \ dī-ˈa-gə-nᵊl How to pronounce diagonal (audio) , -ˈag-nəl\

Definition of diagonal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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
2a : inclined obliquely from a reference line (such as the vertical) wood with a diagonal grain
b : having diagonal markings or parts a diagonal weave

diagonal

noun

Definition of diagonal (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a diagonal straight line or plane
2a(1) : a diagonal direction
(2) : a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
b : something oriented in diagonal position
3 : slash sense 4
on the diagonal
: in an oblique direction : diagonally
Other Words from diagonal Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about diagonal

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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
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 Plate the nigiri, turning it at a diagonal with the bottom right closest to the diner. — Michael A. Gardiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Unrushed rice is key to success with homemade sushi," 6 Aug. 2019 In the first of the two sections, one, Dallas McMurray, is ejected from the diagonal while the others remain, executing a looping series of stylized but halting poses like friezes come to life. — Janine Parker, BostonGlobe.com, "An intensely joyful performance from Mark Morris Dance Group at Jacob’s Pillow," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diagonal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of diagonal

Adjective

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for diagonal

Adjective

Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagōnios from angle to angle, from dia- + gōnia angle; akin to Greek gony knee — more at knee entry 1

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More Definitions for diagonal

diagonal

adjective
How to pronounce diagonal (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of diagonal

 (Entry 1 of 2)

of a straight line : joining two opposite corners of a shape (such as a square or rectangle) especially by crossing the center point of the shape
: not going straight across or up and down

diagonal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of diagonal (Entry 2 of 2)

: a diagonal l

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