First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1angle
noun an·gle \ˈaŋ-gəl\
: the difference between the direction of two lines or surfaces that come together : the space or shape formed when two lines or surfaces meet each other
—used to describe a surface that is not level
—used to describe something that leans or goes to the side rather than straight up or directly forward
Full Definition of ANGLE
1
: a corner whether constituting a projecting part or a partially enclosed space <they sheltered in an angle of the building>
2
a : the figure formed by two lines extending from the same point; also : dihedral angle b : a measure of an angle or of the amount of turning necessary to bring one line or plane into coincidence with or parallel to another
3
a : the precise viewpoint from which something is observed or considered <a camera angle> <consider the question from all angles>; also : the aspect seen from such an angle <discuss all angles of the question> b (1) : a special approach, point of attack, or technique for accomplishing an objective <try a new angle> (2) : an often improper or illicit method of obtaining advantage <a salesman always looking for an angle>
4
: a sharply divergent course <the road went off at an angle>
5
: a position to the side of an opponent in football from which a player may block his opponent more effectively or without penalty —usually used in the phrases get an angle or have an angle
— an·gled \-gəld\ adjective
See angle defined for English-language learners
See angle defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ANGLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin angulus
2angle
verb
an·gledan·gling\-g(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of ANGLE
intransitive verb
: to turn or proceed at an angle
transitive verb
1
: to turn, move, or direct at an angle
2
: to present (as a news story) from a particular or prejudiced point of view : slant
First Known Use of ANGLE
1621
3angle
verb
an·gledan·gling\-g(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of ANGLE
intransitive verb
1
: to fish with a hook
2
: to use artful means to attain an objective <angled for an invitation>
Origin of ANGLE
Middle English angelen, from angel fishhook, from Old English, from anga hook; akin to Old High German ango hook, Latin uncus, Greek onkos barbed hook, ankos glen
First Known Use: 15th century
Angle
noun An·gle \ˈaŋ-gəl\
Definition of ANGLE
: a member of a Germanic people that invaded England along with the Saxons and Jutes in the fifth century a.d. and merged with them to form the Anglo-Saxon peoples
Origin of ANGLE
Latin Angli, plural, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English Engle Angles
First Known Use: before 12th century
Other Anthropology Terms
ANGLE Defined for Kids
1angle
noun an·gle \ˈaŋ-gəl\
Definition of ANGLE for Kids
1
: the figure formed by two lines meeting at a point
2
: point of view <Let's consider the problem from a new angle.>
3
: a sharp corner <They stood in an angle of the building.>
4
: the slanting direction in which something is positioned <The road goes off on an angle.>
2angle
verb
an·gledan·gling
Definition of ANGLE for Kids
: to turn, move, or point in a direction that is not straight or flat <The spotlight was angled down toward the floor.>
3angle
verb
an·gledan·gling
Definition of ANGLE for Kids
1
: to fish with hook and line
2
: to try to get something in a sly way <He's always angling for a compliment.>
Medical Dictionary
angle
noun an·gle \ˈaŋ-gəl\
Medical Definition of ANGLE
1
: a corner whether constituting a projecting part or a partially enclosed space
2
a : the figure formed by two lines extending from the same point b : a measure of an angle or of the amount of turning necessary to bring one line or plane into coincidence with or parallel to another
—an·gled \-gəld\ adjective
Learn More About ANGLE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up angle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).