dimension

1 of 2

noun

di·​men·​sion də-ˈmen(t)-shən 

also

dī- 

1

a mathematics

(1)

: measure in one direction

the dimensions of the room

specifically : one of three coordinates (see coordinate entry 3 sense 1a) determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time

(2)

: one of a group of properties whose number is necessary and sufficient to determine uniquely each element of a system of usually mathematical entities (such as an aggregate of points in real or abstract space)

the surface of a sphere has two dimensions

also : a parameter (see parameter sense 1) or coordinate variable assigned to such a property

the three dimensions of momentum

(3)

: the number of elements in a basis (see basis sense 5) of a vector space

b

: the quality of spatial extension : magnitude, size

… the town's modest dimensions and leisurely ways …

—Jane Shellhase

c

: a lifelike or realistic quality

uses eccentric dialogue to add dimension to her characters

d

: the range over which or the degree to which something extends : scope

—usually used in plural

the vast dimensions of the disaster

e

: one of the elements or factors making up a complete personality or entity : aspect

the social and political dimensions of the problem

2

obsolete : bodily form or proportions

… my dimensions are as well compact, my mind as generous, and my shape as true …

—Shakespeare

3

mathematics : any of the fundamental units (as of mass, length, or time) on which a derived unit is based

also : the power of such a unit

4

: wood or stone cut to pieces of specified size

5

: a level of existence or consciousness

… a secular as well as spiritual dimension …

—Catherine Bates

dimensional

də-ˈmench-nəl 

also

dī- 

-ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl

adjective

dimensionality

də-ˌmen(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

 also  dī-

noun

dimensionally

də-ˈmench-nə-lē 

 also  dī-

-ˈmen(t)-shə-nᵊl-ē

adverb

dimensionless

də-ˈmen(t)-shən-ləs 

 also  dī-

adjective

dimension

2 of 2

verb

dimensioned; dimensioning də-ˈmen(t)-shə-niŋ 

 also  dī-

transitive verb

1

: to form to the required dimensions (see dimension entry 1 sense 1a(1))

a table dimensioned to fit the space

2

: to indicate the dimensions of (as on a drawing)

dimensioning the plans

Synonyms

Noun

• bulk
• extent
• magnitude
• measure
• measurement
• proportion
• size

Examples of dimension in a Sentence

Noun

She carefully measured each dimension of the room.

The social dimensions of the problem must also be taken into account.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Drummond calls for an addition of a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the boxed cake mix to complement the chocolate flavor and add further dimension to the batter. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024

In this evening gown, Dua Lipa brings a new dimension to the coquette aesthetic, the ultimate trend of 2024, seen on numerous catwalks. —Héloïse Salessy, Glamour, 26 Apr. 2024

The hybrid shares its size, dimensions and most features with the pickups on sale now. —Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024

Successful leaders must learn to master both dimensions of the game. —Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2024

In two dimensions, an infinite plane and the surface of a sphere are simply connected, but the surface of a doughnut is not. —Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Apr. 2024

Gravity had taken on a new dimension, and I was latched to the bed. —Chloé Cooper Jones Emily Woo Zeller Krish Seenivasan Zachary Mouton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024

The commemorative timepiece retains the design and dimensions of the standard-issue Speedmaster but is made from 18-karat gold instead of steel. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2024

In a beautiful installation, many works are smartly shown on a pedestal positioned atop a circular base, which wordlessly leads a viewer all the way around — ideal for an art that needs to be seen in four dimensions of space and time. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Verb

Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: Another huge man with huge power playing in the same Little League-dimensioned ballpark as Stanton. —Ted Berg, For The Win, 23 Feb. 2018

Each barn is covered top to bottom in oversized shingles dimensioned to make the volume look smaller. —Joseph Giovannini, ELLE Decor, 2 July 2015

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin dimension-, dimensio, from dimetiri to measure out, from dis- + metiri to measure — more at measure

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dimension

• fourth dimension
• third dimension

Kids Definition

dimension

noun

di·​men·​sion

də-ˈmen-chən,

 also  dī-

1

a

: extension in one direction

the dimensions of length, width, and height

b

: measure of extension in one direction or in all directions : size

2

: the range over which something extends : scope

—usually used in plural

dimensional

-ˈmench-nəl

-ˈmen-chən-ᵊl

adjective

dimensionally

-ˈmench-nə-lē

-ˈmen-chən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

dimensionless

-ˈmen-chən-ləs

adjective

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dimensioun "dimension," from early French dimension (same meaning), from Latin dimensio "measurement, dimension," from dimetiri "to measure out," from di-, dis- "apart" and metiri "to measure" — related to immense, measure

Medical Definition

dimension

noun

di·​men·​sion

də-ˈmen-chən also dī-

: measure in one direction

specifically : one of three or four coordinates determining a position in space or space and time