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

The growth of data centers would also consume 731 to 1,1125 million cubic meters or water per year, or the annual household water usage for six to 10 million Americans. —Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

State officials said when the equipment is working at full capacity, the hydroelectric turbines can move nearly one-third more water through the dam than previously, pumping an additional 2,000 cubic feet per second. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Apr. 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