'rectangle' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'rectangulus,' where 'rectus' meant 'right' and 'angulus' meant 'angle.'

'rectangulus' transformed into the Old French word 'rectangle,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rectangle' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'right angle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a four-sided polygon with right angles.'