What is Quadrilateral? [Definition, Facts & Example]

What is Quadrilateral?

In geometry, a quadrilateral can be defined as a closed, two-dimensional shape which has four straight sides.

The polygon has four vertices or corners.

We can find the shape of quadrilaterals in various things around us, like in a chess board, a deck of cards, a kite, a tub of popcorn, a sign board and in an arrow.

Properties of a Quadrilateral:

A quadrilateral has 4 sides, 4 angles and 4 vertices.
A quadrilateral can be regular or irregular.
The sum of all the interior angles of a quadrilateral is 360°.

Types of Quadrilaterals

Quadrilaterals can be classified into Parallelograms, Squares, Rectangles and Rhombuses. Square, Rectangle and Rhombus are also Parallelograms.

Here’s a list of the types of quadrilaterals with their name, pictures and properties:

Name of the Quadrilateral:	Picture of Quadrilateral:	Properties of the Quadrilateral:
Parallelogram		Opposite sides are parallel. Opposites sides are equal. Opposite angles are equal.
Square		All sides are equal. All angles are equal and measure 90°.
Rectangle		Opposite sides are parallel. Opposites sides are equal. All angles are equal and measure 90°.
Rhombus		All sides are equal. Opposite angles are equal.
Trapezoid		Opposite sides are parallel. Adjacent angles add up to 180°.

Fun Facts

The word quadrilateral has originated from two Latin words quadri which means “four” and, latus meaning “side”.

Let's sing!

Four sides and, so are the corners four,

Find a quadrilateral on the bathroom floor.

You may see another in the wooden door,

Or in the boat and oars, near the seashore!!

Let's do it!

Instead of handing out quadrilateral coloring worksheets to your children, ask them to observe and note the things in the shape of regular and irregular quadrilaterals, such as in a television, a laptop, a book or in a kite. Further, you can discuss and show videos to review the properties of different quadrilaterals.

Related math vocabulary

Polygon, Right angle, Parallelogram

Quadrilateral - Definition with Examples