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

China plans to initially divert some four billion cubic meters of water from the Yangtze to the Yellow River annually in the first phase of part of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project—but that’s less water than what’s being captured by the Yangtze, the study authors warn. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 May 2026

During its lifetime, Habitat has produced mostly natural gas — more than 232 million cubic feet — and a relatively meager showing of crude oil, less than 250,000 barrels, according to federal records. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

Noun

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

The Ioniq 5 has practical, sufficient cargo space, 27.2 cubic behind the rear seats, 59.3 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. —James Raia, Mercury News, 6 July 2025

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