dimension

noun

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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 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

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 Phrases Containing dimension Learn More About dimension

Other Words from dimension

Noun

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

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 There has also been a racial dimension to the stigma. — Vinay Kampalath, STAT, 8 June 2022 According to Wang, instrumentality is a dimension of objectification. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 June 2022 Language is just one dimension of the powerful nurturing interactions between children and caregivers. — Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 1 June 2022 There is an ideological dimension too: that of the legitimacy of U.S. power. — David Rieff, The New Republic, 24 May 2022 There could also be a political dimension to the results. — New York Times, 19 May 2022 He's been very thoughtful in his approach and there's a new dimension to Lalo now. — Dan Snierson, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2022 And then there is a political dimension to it as well. — Brooke Singman, Fox News, 11 Apr. 2022 There's also a political dimension at play because Republicans have been hammering Biden and other Democrats on climbing gas prices for months. — Ellie Kaufman And Ali Zaslav, CNN, 3 Mar. 2022 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, 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 See More

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.