What is an octagon? Definition and examples

An octagon is a polygon with 8 sides and 8 angles. The name came from the Greek prefix octa meaning 8 and the Greek suffix gon meaning sides or angles.

Types of octagons

The two types of octagons are regular octagon and irregular octagon. 

In a regular octagon, all sides are equal and all angles have equal measures.  

In an irregular octagon, at least one side has a different length or at least one angle has a different measure.

Real-life examples of octagons

• A stop sign is commonly used as a traffic sign and it is an octagon

• A clock could be shaped like an octagon

• A trampoline could be shaped like an octagon