What does heptagon mean?
A heptagon is a polygon with seven sides, and therefore seven angles and seven vertices. The term is used in mathematics, geometry, architecture, design, and discussions of natural or constructed shapes. A regular heptagon has seven equal sides and seven equal interior angles, while an irregular heptagon has sides and angles of differing sizes. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “seven” and “angle” and is related to the older alternative septagon. Most speakers encounter the word in geometry lessons or in descriptions of unusual buildings, artworks, and patterns, but it is also useful whenever a polygon’s number of sides must be specified precisely. In general writing, a numeral can be used to avoid the formal term—“a seven-sided shape”—but heptagon is the conventional word in technical and educational contexts.
nounA heptagon is a polygon with seven sides and seven angles. In everyday geometry, it may be either regular, with equal sides and angles, or irregular.
- A polygon having seven sides and seven angles.
"The architect designed the central courtyard as a regular heptagon."
"The students used a ruler to draw a regular heptagon."
"The unusual heptagon appears in the center of the mosaic."
The standard plural of heptagon.
"Several heptagons were arranged around the central fountain."
A heptagon is a seven-sided shape whose name joins the Greek roots for “seven” and “angle.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heptagon come from?
The English word heptagon comes through Latin from Ancient Greek heptagōnon, formed from hepta, “seven,” and gōnia, “angle.” It entered English in the early 17th century as the name for a seven-sided polygon. The alternative septagon reflects a different Greek-derived form of the same concept, while heptagram uses the same seven-related root in the name of a seven-pointed star.
Related word forms
How heptagon is actually used
Heptagon is a standard mathematical and geometric term used in formal writing, education, design, and architecture. The adjective is heptagonal, and the usual plural is heptagons.
Easily confused with heptagon
A heptagon is a seven-sided polygon, whereas a heptagram is a seven-pointed star made from intersecting lines.
A heptagon has seven sides, while a hexagon has six.