cubic

1 of 2

adjective

cu·​bic ˈkyü-bik 

1

: having the form of a cube : cubical

2

a

: relating to the cube considered as a crystal form

b

: isometric sense 1

3

a

: three-dimensional

b

: being the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit

cubic inch

4

: of third degree, order, or power

a cubic polynomial

cubic

2 of 2

noun

: a cubic curve, equation, or polynomial

Examples of cubic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

They have been ordered to pour three thousand cubic yards of concrete and install a million pounds of rebar. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

For systems where every gram and cubic centimeter matters, storing heat rather than immediately removing it can provide another way to manage short-duration thermal loads. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

In Texas, Bedrock is working with Champion Site Prep on a multimillion-cubic-yard earthwork project. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

If my math is accurate, 1 cubic yard of compost will provide enough top dressing for 650 square feet of lawn. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1799, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cubic

• cubic equation
• cubic measure
• cubic zirconia
• cubic zirconium

Rhymes for cubic

• pubic
• cherubic
• suprapubic

Kids Definition

cubic

adjective

cu·​bic

ˈkyü-bik

variants also cubical

-bi-kəl

1

: having the form of a cube

2

a

: having length, width, and height

b

: relating to volume

3

: being or having the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit

cubic centimeter

cubic inch

cubically

-bi-k(ə-)lē

adverb