Definition
Hexagon
A hexagon is a closed polygon made from exactly six straight sides.
What it means
Trace the outline and count the straight pieces. If the path closes after the sixth side, the shape is a hexagon. Its sides may be different lengths, its angles may be different sizes, and the whole shape may be turned or tilted.
Remember it
Follow the border as six straight steps that return to the starting point.
Example
Sam joins six sticks end to end to make a closed loop. The sticks are not all the same length, but the loop has six straight sides, so it is a hexagon.
Watch for
A closed shape with five straight sides and one curved edge is not a hexagon, because every side of a polygon must be a straight segment.
Common mix-up
A regular hexagon is only one kind. Equal sides and equal angles are not required for every hexagon.
Exact meaning
A hexagon is a polygon whose boundary consists of exactly six straight line segments, giving it six sides and six vertices.