What shape has 6 sides?

A shape with six sides is classified as a hexagon. This term originates from the Greek words "hex," meaning six, and "gon," meaning sides. In geometry, a hexagon can come in various forms, including regular hexagons, where all sides and angles are equal, and irregular hexagons, which do not have equal sides or angles.

In contrast, a square has four sides of equal length and four right angles, while a triangle has three sides and three angles. An octagon, on the other hand, consists of eight sides. Thus, the distinctive characteristic of a hexagon being specifically defined by its six sides makes it the correct answer for this question.