T square

noun

1. a T -shaped ruler, used primarily in mechanical drawing, having a short crosspiece that slides along the edge of the drawing board as a guide to the perpendicular longer section in making parallel lines, right angles, etc., and as a support for triangles.

T-square

noun

1. a T-shaped ruler used in mechanical drawing, consisting of a short crosspiece, which slides along the edge of the drawing board, and a long horizontal piece: used for drawing horizontal lines and to support set squares when drawing vertical and inclined lines

Word History and Origins

Origin of T square¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

This was before computer graphics or computer modeling, when architects and engineers worked on a drafting table with a T-square and slide rule.

From Seattle Times

“You have a glue pot, a T-square, a razor blade, and you physically put together advertisements.”

From Seattle Times

Filling in a comics panel at a drawing table, Pat says: “You said it, Boss! Fun, fun, fun, ’til Daddy takes the T-square away.”

From New York Times

“The bullet entered his lower back and came out at the top of his chest. He was shot T-square in the back, with his body leaning forward. He was running away.”

From New York Times

A T-square sits like a great crossbow over the entrance.

From New York Times