di·ag·o·nal
dī-ˈa-gə-nᵊl 
-ˈag-nəl
1
a
: joining two vertices of a rectilinear figure that are nonadjacent or two vertices of a polyhedral figure that are not in the same face
b
: passing through two nonadjacent edges of a polyhedron
a diagonal plane
2
a
: inclined obliquely from a reference line (such as the vertical)
wood with a diagonal grain
b
: having diagonal markings or parts
a diagonal weave
1
: a diagonal straight line or plane
2
a(1)
: a diagonal direction
(2)
: a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
b
: something oriented in diagonal position
3
Synonyms
Examples of diagonal in a Sentence
Adjective
The blanket is covered with diagonal stripes.
the diagonal design ran up the wall all the way from the lower left to the upper right-hand corner
Noun
a design with strong diagonals
the ramp was set at a low diagonal to make it easier for physically challenged patrons
Recent Examples on the Web
Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024
The play began with another interception by Bright at midfield, who passed to Julian Gressel, who sent a diagonal pass to Alba.
—Michelle Kaufman, Sun Sentinel, 28 July 2024
Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2024
The atmosphere is dark and smoky, with lasers cutting sharp diagonals across the stage in white, red, and blue, before turning (predictably) on us.
—Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for diagonal 
Adjective
Cindy Ord/Getty Images The sparkly vintage dress features a single diagonal shoulder strap, with the colorful sequins giving it a certain mermaid-esque quality.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024
The play began with another interception by Bright at midfield, who passed to Julian Gressel, who sent a diagonal pass to Alba.
—Michelle Kaufman, Sun Sentinel, 28 July 2024
Noun
Stripes bring a neat, tailored look to your home and can even play tricks on the eye and accentuate architectural features by making rooms appear taller with vertical stripes, wider with horizontal ones, and adding a dynamic touch with diagonals.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2024
The atmosphere is dark and smoky, with lasers cutting sharp diagonals across the stage in white, red, and blue, before turning (predictably) on us.
—Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for diagonal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diagonal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near diagonal
Cite this Entry
“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagonal. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diagonal
1 of 2 adjective
di·ag·o·nal
dī-ˈag-ən-ᵊl
-ˈag-nəl
1
: joining two opposite corners of a four-sided figure
2
: running in a slanting direction
diagonally
adverb
-ən-ᵊl-ē
-nə-lē
diagonal
2 of 2 noun1
: a diagonal line or direction
2
: a diagonal row, arrangement, or pattern
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