How many sides does a hexagon have?

A hexagon is defined as a polygon that has six sides. The prefix "hex-" originates from the Greek word for six, which clearly indicates that any shape classified as a hexagon will have precisely six straight edges and six corresponding angles. This geometric property distinguishes it from other polygons, such as a quadrilateral, which has four sides, a pentagon, which has five sides, and an octagon, which features eight sides. Therefore, the correct answer is based on the fundamental characteristics of the hexagon as a six-sided figure.