Shapes

A shape can be defined as the boundary or outline of an object. Everything around us has a different shape, such as a square, rectangle, or three-dimensional sphere. Have you seen the model of the Earth called the globe? What is the shape of this globe? Have you noticed the shape of a pizza? It is round in shape. If we cut out a slice from the pizza, the slice gets a triangular shape. Let us learn all about shapes, types of shapes, and geometric shapes.

Shapes define the boundary of an object and can be differentiated in many ways based on their properties. Shapes are defined by a boundary which is made by combining the curves, points, and line segments. Each shape has a name depending upon the structure. A few examples of shapes are circles, squares, rectangle, triangles, and so on.

Shapes Meaning

Shapes are the forms of objects which have boundary lines and outlines that form a specific figure. In other words, shapes are geometric figures or outlines of something or someone.

Shapes can be classified into various categories. Before classifying shapes further into separate structures, let us see the different types of shapes with examples.

• Open Shapes: Open shapes are not continuous and are made up of line segments or curves which do not meet. Letter C is an example of an open shape.
• Closed Shapes: Closed shapes can be traced without any break. They start and end in the same place. Letter D is an example of a closed shape.

Further, each shape is classified on the basis of dimensions it has. In this section, we will discuss the two major types of shapes:

• Two-dimensional (2D): 2D shapes, as the name suggests, have only two of these measurements, i.e., length and breadth.
• Three-dimensional (3D) shapes: 3D shapes have a length, a width, and a height.

A square is a 2D shape, whereas, a cube is a 3D shape.

We know that shapes are made of straight lines or curved lines and they can be open or closed. Lines are defined as a collection of points. In other words, many points are put together to form a line. They may form a straight line or a curved line. Shapes are closed shapes that are created by joining lines together. Closed shapes made of four straight lines are called quadrilateral shapes. Here is a list of shapes with real-world examples.

• Circle: A circle is a closed shape. It is categorized as a two-dimensional geometric shape that is round in structure. It does not have any lines or corners. For example, the wheel of a vehicle, pizza base, dartboard.
• Oval: An oval is an elongated shape slightly similar to a circle. It has no straight lines or corners. For example, the number zero (0).
• Square: A square is a closed 2-D shape that is formed by four sides. The length of each side is equal in measurement. For example, a chessboard and a carrom board.
• Triangle: A triangle is a shape with three sides and is categorized as a two-dimensional geometric shape. For example, the shape of tangy nachos, one slice of cheese burst pizza.
• Rectangle: A rectangle has four sides. It is a two-dimensional geometric shape in which the length of the opposite sides is equal. For example, laptop screen, touchscreen mobile phones etc.
• Polygons: A polygon is a closed two-dimensional figure with three or more straight lines. For example, windows, and doors.
• Cube: A cube is a closed three-dimensional geometric shape. It is made up of six squares. It has six faces. For example, a Rubik's cube, a ludo dice, or an ice cube.
• Cuboid: A cuboid is another three-dimensional shape that is formed using rectangles. For example, a duster, a book, a pencil box.
• Sphere: A sphere is a solid shape that is similar to a ball. It is a closed three-dimensional shape formed using a circular base. For example, football, basketball, etc.
• Cylinder: A cylinder is a solid shape that has two flat ends of circular formation. It is a three-dimensional figure which is formed by folding a rectangle. For example, coldrink cans, pool noodles, water bottles.
• Cone: A cone is a solid three-dimensional geometric shape with a flat base. The base is circular in shape. It has a pointed edge at the top called the apex. For example, ice-cream cone, clown hat, etc.

☛Related Articles

Check out the following articles to learn more about different shapes in detail.

• Plane Shapes
• Closed Shapes
• 2-D Shapes
• 3-D Shapes
• Geometric Shapes
• Shapes Worksheets

What are Shapes in Geometry?

Shapes are also known as geometric shapes and figures made up of fixed lines or curves. Shapes are categorized as closed shapes or open shapes. In our real life, the example of shapes are, the Sun, Earth, Doors, Windows, Watch, Wall clocks, and so on.

What are the Different Types of Shapes?

There are 2 main categories into which shapes are distinguished:

• Two-dimensional shapes (2D shapes)
• Three-dimensional shapes (3D shapes)

What are Two-Dimensional Shapes?

A 2D shape, also written as a two-dimensional shape is a shape that has length and width but no depth. Examples of two-dimensional shapes are circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles.

What are Three-Dimensional Geometric Shapes?

In geometry, a three-dimensional shape is a solid shape that has three dimensions, length, width, and height. We generally write it as 3D- shapes. For example, cylinders, spheres, cuboids.

Write the List of Shapes.

There are various shapes categorized on the basis of their dimensions. Given below is the list with one real-world example.

List of 2D geometric shapes:

• Triangle: traffic signboards
• Square: chessboard
• Rectangle: UNO game cards
• Circle: dinner plates
• Oval: Number 0 (zero)

List of 3D geometric shapes:

• Cube: ice cubes
• Cuboid: bricks
• Cylinder: Cold drinks straws
• Sphere: oranges
• Hemisphere: bowls
• Cone: birthday party caps

Why are Shapes Important for Kids?

Shapes help children develop the understanding of identifying visual information about structures revolving around them. It also helps kids in building navigation skills by easily comparing various shapes.

What is the Use of Geometric Shapes?

Shapes refresh our visual senses in an interesting way. They developed and generate a logical sense of any piece of work in our everyday life. Things around us need a definite shape to recognize and maintain the balance in nature.

How Many Dimensions are there in a 2D Shape?

There are only two dimensions in a 2D shape that is a length and breadth.

How Many Dimensions are there in a 3D Shape?

There are only three dimensions in a 3D shape that is a length, width, and height.

How do you Identify Shapes?

A great way to identify a shape is by knowing the number of sides and points in it. For example, a triangle has 3 sides and 3 points. So, we can easily identify it as a triangle.

☛ Also Check:

• Solid Shapes Worksheets
• 2d and 3d Shapes Worksheets

Is Square a Closed Shape?

Yes, a square is a closed shape as all the sides of the square are connected at all the vertices.

What are the Names of some Shapes?

Different shapes have different names depending upon their number of sides. For example,

• A 3-sided shape is called a triangle
• A 4-sided shape is called a quadrilateral which is further classified into squares, rectangles, etc.
• A 5-sided shape is called a pentagon
• A 6-sided shape is called a hexagon
• A 7-sided shape is called a heptagon
• An 8-sided shape is called an octagon
• A 9-sided shape is called a nonagon
• A 10-sided shape is called a decagon