polygon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “polygon” mean?
A flat, two-dimensional, closed shape with straight sides.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flat, two-dimensional, closed shape with straight sides.
In computer graphics, a polygonal shape (usually a triangle) used as a basic building block to render 3D objects; in urban planning, sometimes used to refer to a tract of land with many angles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/mathematical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic contexts due to differences in primary/secondary maths curriculum emphasis.
Grammar
How to Use “polygon” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + polygonpolygon + [of + number] + sidespolygon + [with + adjective] + sidesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polygon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software allows you to polygon the terrain for accurate modelling.
American English
- The artist will polygon the character model before texturing.
adjective
British English
- The polygon mesh needed further refinement.
American English
- They used a polygon count budget for the game asset.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical fields like computer-aided design (CAD) or geospatial analysis.
Academic
Common in mathematics, geometry, computer graphics, and geography.
Everyday
Low frequency; used in educational contexts or specific hobbies (e.g., gaming, design).
Technical
High frequency in mathematics, computer graphics (3D modeling), GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polygon”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈpɒl.i.ɡəʊn/ (with a 'go' sound).
- Using 'polygon' to describe curved shapes.
- Confusing 'polygon' (2D) with 'polyhedron' (3D).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a triangle is a polygon. It is the simplest polygon with three sides.
A polygon is a 2D flat shape with straight sides. A polyhedron is a 3D solid with flat polygonal faces.
A regular polygon has all sides of equal length and all interior angles of equal measure (e.g., a square or an equilateral triangle).
No, by definition, a polygon has only straight sides. A shape with curved sides is not a polygon.
A flat, two-dimensional, closed shape with straight sides.
Polygon is usually formal, technical in register.
Polygon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒl.ɪ.ɡɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.li.ɡɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'POLY' (many) + 'GON' (angles/knees) – a shape with many angles, like a many-kneed figure.
Conceptual Metaphor
A polygon is a container with edges (for defining areas). A complex problem is a 'polygon' with many sides/facets.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT necessarily a polygon?