three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce three-dimensional (audio)
 also  -dī-
1
: of, relating to, or having three dimensions
2
: giving the illusion of depth or varying distances
used especially of an image or a pictorial representation on a two-dimensional medium when this illusion is enhanced by stereoscopic means
3
: describing or being described in well-rounded completeness
a three-dimensional analysis of multiple historical processesL. L. Snyder
4
: true to life : lifelike
three-dimensionality noun

Examples of three-dimensional in a Sentence

an actress who has been acclaimed for her three-dimensional portrayal of the celebrated monarch
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The telescope will pinpoint the location of each of these galaxies, creating a massive three-dimensional atlas of the cosmos. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 28 Feb. 2025 This correspondence is often compared to the way a hologram can make two-dimensional structures appear to be three-dimensional. Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025 Zeus Views The strapless cherry red dress earned its rightful place on the best dressed list with its three-dimensional tiered structure. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 These atoms or molecules are arranged in repeating three-dimensional patterns known as lattices. New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for three-dimensional

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-dimensional was in 1872

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Three-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-dimensional. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

three-dimensional

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or having three dimensions (as length, width, and height)
2
: giving the appearance of depth or varying distances

More from Merriam-Webster on three-dimensional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!