What does hexagon mean?
A hexagon is a polygon with six sides and six angles. The word is most often used in mathematics and geometry, but it also appears in architecture, engineering, art, biology, and everyday descriptions of honeycomb-like or tiled patterns. A regular hexagon has sides and angles of equal size, although hexagons in general need not have those properties. In design and construction, the shape is valued because regular hexagonal forms fit together efficiently without leaving large gaps, as seen in honeycombs and many floor or wall patterns. “Hexagon” is consequently both a precise mathematical term and a useful image for describing compact, repeating six-sided structures. The related adjective “hexagonal” describes something having the form or structure of a hexagon.
nounA hexagon is a polygon with six straight sides and six interior angles.
- A polygon with six sides and six angles.
"The architect designed the floor in a repeating pattern of regular hexagons."
"The honeycomb is made from hexagons packed together with remarkable regularity."
"She drew a hexagon on the board and labeled each of its six angles."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several hexagons were arranged around the central shape."
A regular hexagon can be divided into six equilateral triangles, making it one of geometry's most versatile shapes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hexagon come from?
The word comes from the Greek hexagōn, a geometric noun formed from hexa-, meaning “six,” and -gon, meaning “angle.” Its English form appeared during the 16th century and was established in the same mathematical tradition that produced terms such as pentagon and octagon. The same Greek numerical root also underlies words including hexadecimal, hexameter, and hexapod.
Related word forms
How hexagon is actually used
The word is a standard, neutral term in geometry, design, architecture, and technical description. It is not usually used informally.