diorama

noun

di·​ora·​ma ˌdī-ə-ˈra-mə  -ˈrä- 

1

: a scenic representation in which a partly translucent painting is seen from a distance through an opening

2

a

: a scenic representation in which sculptured figures and lifelike details are displayed usually in miniature so as to blend indistinguishably with a realistic painted background

b

: a life-size exhibit (as of a wildlife specimen or scene) with realistic natural surroundings and a painted background

dioramic

ˌdī-ə-ˈra-mik 

-ˈrä-

adjective

Examples of diorama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the team, the system generated enough formic acid to power a miniature diorama displayed at the pavilion, illustrating how an efficient artificial photosynthesis system could one day produce and store clean energy for use in household applications. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026

The setting, which changes from a blank Brutalism to a trailer-park-home installation suggesting one of Arnold’s cold-eyed dioramas, creates its own theatrical coup. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Think of it as a diorama with a glimpse into a gentler, long-past time. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The season's penultimate scene finds Carl at his favorite haunt, sipping his morning coffee while somberly staring at his tiny Tom Ruffage diorama figure. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from dia- + -orama (as in panorama, from English)

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for diorama

• gamma
• grama
• gramma
• panorama
• trichogramma

Kids Definition

diorama

noun

di·​o·​rama

ˌdī-ə-ˈram-ə, 

-ˈräm-

: a scenic representation in which lifelike sculptured figures and surrounding details are realistically set against a painted background