dimension

noun

Save Word

di·men·sion | \ də-ˈmen(t)-shən

also dī-

Definition of dimension

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a 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 pluralthe 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

dimension

verb

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

also dī- \

Definition of dimension (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from dimension Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about dimension

Keep scrolling for more

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 Some classes of board games take this effect to new heights by allowing players to create teams and collaborate with one another, which can add a significant new dimension to long-term strategies. — Popsci Commerce Team, Popular Science, "Best board games: Five things to consider," 10 Dec. 2020 Strands glowing red, green, blue, yellow and orange add dimension and fun to your Christmas display. — Lesley Kennedy, CNN Underscored, "24 Christmas lights to illuminate your home for the holidays," 1 Dec. 2020 Self-care, of course, is only one dimension of coping during stressful times. — Star Tribune, "In pandemic era's isolation, meaning of 'self-care' evolves," 24 Nov. 2020 Self-care, of course, is only one dimension of coping during stressful times. — Anne D'innocenzio And Sophia Rosenbaum, The Christian Science Monitor, "Why self-care priorities are shifting during the pandemic," 24 Nov. 2020 But the cramping of recreational pursuits is just one dimension. — Jim Robbins, New York Times, "Pandemic Crowds Bring ‘Rivergeddon’ to Montana’s Rivers," 23 Nov. 2020 This change in velocity is an acceleration where the acceleration (in one dimension) is defined as: News of the future, now. — Rhett Allain, Wired, "How NASA Finds the Mass of the Dirt Grabbed From an Asteroid," 16 Nov. 2020 At its heart, this is a knapsack problem in more than one dimension. — Elizabeth Landau, Smithsonian Magazine, "How the Mathematical Conundrum Called the ‘Knapsack Problem’ Is All Around Us," 9 Mar. 2020 This research adds the dimension of relative age to an ongoing discussion about alien life. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "There Used to Be Aliens in Our Galaxy, but They Killed Themselves Off," 24 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: 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, "Poll: Which MLB slugger is most likely to challenge Barry Bonds' home-run record in 2018?," 23 Feb. 2018 Each barn is covered top to bottom in oversized shingles dimensioned to make the volume look smaller. — Joseph Giovannini, ELLE Decor, "HOUSE TOUR: Contemporary Decor Blends With Farmhouse Tradition Inside A Hamptons Barn," 2 July 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dimension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.