three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmench-nəl 

-ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl,

 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 processes

—L. L. Snyder

4

: true to life : lifelike

three-dimensionality

ˈthrē-də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• lifelike
• living
• natural
• naturalistic
• naturalist
• near
• photo-realistic
• realistic

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

But either way, the investigators saw significance in the ability of the animals to make the leap that a two-dimensional image was effectively equivalent to a three-dimensional person. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 5 June 2024

For one, the lining-up was just based on our perspective from Earth, rather than the planets’ actual placement in the three-dimensional solar system. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2024

When later recombined, the interference patterns of the multiple wave packets are studied to discover even the most minuscule accelerations—tinier than conventional accelerometers could measure—to the wave packets’ positions in three-dimensional space. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2024

One of the pieces on display is a constantly moving, three-dimensional shadow of a four-dimensional object. —Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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