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Shapes – Definition, Types, FAQs, Practice Problems, Examples

Camille Ira B. Mendoza

reviewed by Jo-ann Caballes

Updated on January 6, 2026

Our world is filled with shapes that we can recognize. In the objects we see around us, we can find basic shapes such as the two-dimensional square, rectangle, and oval, and the three-dimensional rectangular prism, cylinder, and sphere. The geometric shapes are used in everything from credit cards to bills and coins to finger rings, photo frames, dart boards, huts, windows, magician’s wands, tall buildings, flower pots, and toy trains. So, let’s explore what is a shape are with Brighterly and recognize them in real life.

What are shapes?

Shapes are the form or outline of an object. Every physical object in the world is formed of a shape. 2D geometry shapes are the most basic shapes and are flat. 3D shapes are introduced later.

Shapes definition

Shapes are the forms or figures created by points, lines, or curves that define an object’s outline. If you are looking for shape definition for kids, you can say that shapes can be flat, like circles, squares, and triangles, or solid, like cubes, spheres, and cylinders. Each shape has unique properties, such as sides, angles, and symmetry, that help children recognize and understand them.

There are two major types of all shapes: geometric and organic. We’ll cover geometric shapes, which fit into the rules of mathematics and geometry. Organic shapes are free-form and don’t follow mathematical principles.

Shape definition says that shapes are made up of lines or curves. Everything is a shape, and many can be broken down into other geometrical shapes. A pizza, for example, is usually a circle cut into triangles.

Different types of shapes

There are many different types of shapes, including:

• Circles
• Ovals
• Triangles
• Squares
• Rectangles
• Parallelograms
• Rhombus
• Trapezoid
• Kite
• Pentagon
• Hexagon

Types of shapes with examples

Circles

A circle has a point at its center from which every point on its diameter is equally distant.

There are infinite symmetry lines in them.

What is the number of sides on a circle? One possible answer could be 0 (no straight sides), one curved side, or an infinite number of sides.

Squares

The square has 4 equal sides and 4 right angles. There are four symmetry lines between them. Understanding the meaning of shapes, we see that squares are all rectangles. The family of rhombuses includes all squares, and it is also true that all squares are parallelograms.

Rectangles

Rectangles have 4 sides and 4 right angles. Each one has two lines of symmetry (four lines if it’s a square!)

The rectangle belongs to the parallelogram family.

Triangle

A triangle is a closed shape with 3 sides and 3 angles. The sum of all its internal angles is always 180°. Depending on the side lengths, triangles can be equilateral, isosceles, or scalene.

Most triangles do not have a line of symmetry, but equilateral and some isosceles triangles do.

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List of shapes

Here’s a list of some common math shapes kids will be introduced to in kindergarten in addition to the four basic geometrical shapes.

Oval
Rhombus
Trapezium
Pentagon

Geometry shapes in nature

We can see many different shapes in nature. Getting children to think about mathematics when exploring the natural world is easier than you think. All around us, we see patterns and shapes – symmetries, spirals, arrays, cracks, and stripes.

• Triangles. There are many places in nature where triangles can be found; grass, rocks, leaves, and flower petals all contain triangles. In some grasses and flowers, the petals form an isosceles triangle (a triangle with two equal sides and two equal angles). Often, leaves and rocks form triangles and come in a variety of sizes.
• Hexagons. In beehives, hexagons are packed together almost perfectly without any gaps, so they are an ideal shape to maximize space.
• Circles. Rings of a tree are concentric circles found inside the trunk. It is possible to determine the age of a tree by looking at its rings. Not only that, but they can also tell us what the weather was like each year the tree lived. Spring and early summer growth is represented by the light-colored rings, while fall and autumn growth is represented by the dark rings.

These examples show us how nature define shape in lines, curves, and points from real-world objects. From flat leaves to three-dimensional crystals, we see all types of shapes in nature. Observing them helps children recognize patterns, understand structure, and appreciate how geometry shapes the world around us.

Facts about shapes

Let’s look at some surprising shapes meaning to make learning more fun and interesting:

1. Circles have no straight sides, but if you imagine their curve as countless tiny segments, it can seem like they have infinite numbers.
2. Squares are sneaky; they belong to two families at once: rectangles and rhombuses. That means every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. 
3. Triangles are the strong superheroes of shapes. Engineers use them in bridges, towers, and roof trusses because triangles don’t wobble or collapse easily. That’s why even playground climbing frames rely on triangles for safety.
4. Honeycombs are the classic example of hexagons, but they also appear in snowflakes, basalt columns, and even the patterns on a turtle’s shell
5. Cubes use squares, cylinders use circles, and pyramids use triangles to make 3D shapes.
6. Weight is evenly distributed when shapes are more symmetrical.

These examples show how shapes in math are not just abstract ideas—they have real power and purpose in the world around us.

Solved examples of shapes

We’ve included some solved geometry shapes examples so your kid can use them to practice their math shapes knowledge.

Solved math problem 1

Which shape is not a closed shape?

• Circle
• Rectangle
• Triangle
• Zigzag

Answer

The sides of a zigzag don’t meet one another, meaning the shape is not closed.

Solved math problem 2

Which math shapes are 3D geometric shapes?

• Cuboid
• Rectangle
• Cylinder
• Triangle

Answer

3D shapes have three-dimensional properties, and both triangles and rectangles don’t.

Shapes worksheets

Brighterly offers math worksheets covering different types of shapes:

• Triangle worksheets 
• Square worksheets for preschool
• Shapes worksheets for preschool
• Shape tracing worksheets

Shapes: practice math problems

Frequently Asked Questions on Shapes

What does shapes mean?

Shapes are the form of objects’ outer edges or surfaces. They have specific properties like sides, angles, or curves that help to identify them.

How many shapes are there?

There is no exact number of shapes. Geometry includes infinitely many shapes, but students usually learn a core set of common 2D and 3D shapes in school.

What are the six most basic shapes in geometry?

Circle, square, rectangle, triangle, oval, and hexagon are the six most basic shapes commonly taught in early geometry.

Camille Ira B. Mendoza

42 articles

I am a seasoned math tutor with over seven years of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, I take great joy in nurturing young math enthusiasts, regardless of their age, grade, and skill level. Beyond teaching, I am passionate about spending time with my family, reading, and watching movies. My background also includes knowledge in child psychology, which aids in delivering personalized and effective teaching strategies.