What does angular mean?
Angular is an adjective describing something that has angles or sharp corners rather than curves — a jagged rock face, an angular chair design, or the sharp geometry of modernist architecture. It also has a precise technical life in mathematics and physics, where quantities such as angular momentum and angular velocity describe rotation measured in terms of angles. Beyond physical description, angular is often applied figuratively to human appearance: an angular face or frame is lean, bony, and sharply contoured, an effect sometimes considered severe but frequently admired in portraiture and fashion for its dramatic quality. The word derives from the Latin angulus, meaning a corner, the same root that gives us angle itself. Its opposite is rounded or curved, and its connotations range from neutral geometric precision to a certain starkness or lack of softness, making it a versatile descriptive term across science, design, and everyday language.
adjectiveHaving angles or sharp corners; relating to or measured in angles. Also used figuratively to describe a person or style that is lean, bony, or lacking softness.
- Having angles or sharp corners rather than curves (of shapes, objects, architecture).
- Relating to or measured by angles, as in physics and mathematics (e.g. angular momentum, angular velocity).
- Figuratively describing a person's build or appearance as lean, bony, or sharply defined.
"The building's angular facade of glass and steel caught the afternoon light."
"The sculptor favoured angular forms over smooth, flowing curves."
"She had striking angular features — high cheekbones and a strong jawline."
The word 'angular' shares its root with 'ankle' — both trace back to the Latin 'angulus', meaning a corner or bend.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of angular
Angular comes from the Latin angulus, meaning 'a corner' or 'angle', via the Late Latin angularis. It entered English in the late Middle English period, with the sense relating to angles well established by the early modern era. The same Latin root underlies the word angle itself, as well as related terms such as triangle and rectangle, and ultimately connects to the Greek ankōlos ('crooked'), which also gave us ankle.
How angular is actually used
Standard in both formal and informal registers. In physics contexts it is technical and precise; in descriptions of people it can carry a slightly unflattering connotation of gauntness, though in fashion and art criticism angularity is often praised as elegant or striking.
Easily confused with angular
Triangular specifically means having three angles or the shape of a triangle, while angular describes anything with angles or corners generally.