parallelogram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “parallelogram” mean?
A four-sided flat shape with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A four-sided flat shape with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length.
A geometric figure used in mathematics; metaphorically, any structure or arrangement with opposing parallel elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
None; purely technical term in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “parallelogram” in a Sentence
The parallelogram has...Calculate the area of the parallelogram.A parallelogram is a...ABCD is a parallelogram.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parallelogram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The parallelogram shape was clearly visible.
- A parallelogram framework provided the support.
American English
- The parallelogram shape was clearly visible.
- A parallelogram framework provided the support.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used except in design/architecture contexts.
Academic
Core term in geometry and vector mathematics.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in puzzles, DIY, or basic descriptions.
Technical
Precise term in mathematics, engineering, physics, and computer graphics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallelogram”
- Misspelling: 'parallelagram', 'parallellogram'. Misidentifying a trapezoid as a parallelogram (a parallelogram requires *both* pairs of opposite sides parallel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A rectangle is a specific type of parallelogram where all interior angles are right angles (90°).
Area = base × height, where the height is the perpendicular distance between the parallel bases.
A rhombus is a specific type of parallelogram where all four sides are of equal length. So all rhombuses are parallelograms, but not all parallelograms are rhombuses.
Rarely. Its use is almost exclusively in geometry, physics (e.g., parallelogram of forces), and related technical fields. Metaphorical use is very uncommon.
A four-sided flat shape with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length.
Parallelogram is usually technical/academic in register.
Parallelogram: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpær.əˈlel.ə.ɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌper.əˈlel.ə.ɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Law of the parallelogram of forces (physics idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PARALLEL-O-GRAM: Remember it has two pairs of PARALLEL lines, and it's a diagram or figure (GRAM as in diagram).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A PARALLELOGRAM (e.g., 'The committee's power structure forms a parallelogram of influences.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT necessarily true for all parallelograms?