A hexagon is defined as having how many sides?

A hexagon is defined specifically as a polygon that has six sides. The term "hexagon" is derived from the Greek words "hex" meaning six and "gon" meaning angle or shape. Therefore, by the very definition of the term, a hexagon must have six sides. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding the properties of different polygons, as each polygon's name reflects the number of sides it possesses. Recognizing the relationship between the prefix and the number of sides is crucial in geometry.