Describing Shapes: English Vocabulary List

having a zigzag or back-and-forth pattern, with sharp and alternating angles or turns

"The path is zigzagged."

"The zigzagged path up the mountain was difficult to climb but it was less steep than others."

having a shape that consists of straight sides and circular bases which are parallel

"The pillar is cylindrical."

"The cylindrical container held the potato chips and kept them fresh for weeks after opening."

resembling a sphere or a ball in shape

"The Earth is spherical."

"The spherical shape of the earth has been known since ancient times by sailors and navigators."

having two sides or halves that correspond to one another in shape or size

"The design is symmetrical."

"The symmetrical design of the butterfly's wings made it look perfectly balanced and beautiful in flight."

not having equal or identical parts on both sides, often differing in shape or size

"Her haircut is asymmetrical."

"The asymmetrical haircut was trendy and edgy but her conservative mother thought it looked messy and unfinished."

not in any ways straight, with bends, curves, or disorganized angles

"The picture is crooked."

"The crooked picture frame hung on the wall and bothered her every time she walked past it."

having a shape that is rounded or bent rather than straight

"The road is curved."

"The curved blade of the knife made it perfect for slicing bread without crushing the soft interior."

shaped like half of a circle

"The window is semicircular."

"The semicircular driveway in front of the mansion allowed cars to drop off guests at the front door."

having a shape that winds around a central point or axis

"The shell is spiral."

"The spiral staircase in the old lighthouse wound around for over a hundred steps to the top."