spatial

adjective

spa·​tial ˈspā-shəl 

variants or less commonly spacial

1

: relating to, occupying, or having the character of space

2

: of, relating to, or involved in the perception of relationships (as of objects) in space

tests of spatial ability

spatial memory

spatiality

ˌspā-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

or less commonly spaciality

spatially

ˈspā-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

or less commonly spacially

Examples of spatial in a Sentence

When patients have this kind of problem, they can't feel the relationship between their body and their feet, so they must rely on visual cues to keep themselves upright. Without these cues, they lose their spatial orientation and fall. —John Pettinato, Discover, October 2004

Williams syndrome, which was first described in 1961, results when a group of genes on one copy of chromosome 7 is deleted during embryonic development. Most people with Williams resemble each other more than they do their families, with wide-set hazel eyes, upturned noses, and wide mouths. They also share a peculiar set of mental impairments. Most stumble over the simplest spatial tasks, such as putting together a puzzle, and many not read or write beyond the level of a first grader. —U.S. News & World Report, 15 June 1998

Several new ground-based and orbiting astronomical facilities that could provide high spatial and spectral resolution appear technologically ready for development during the next several decades. —Robert D. Gehrz et al., Science, 25 May 1984

the spatial dimensions of a room

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the direction of Iannone, Gonzalez Haase AAS developed the architectural framework and spatial identity of the store, while Formafantasma shaped its display language and the presentation of products and objects throughout the space. — David Moin, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

All communal spaces at Eha, including the spa, treatment areas, and lounge and dining area have an individual soundscape designed to regulate the nervous system and composed by the spatial audio company Olo. — Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2026

The research addresses a limitation in conventional VLMs, which often generate spatial predictions one coordinate at a time. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Connected environments, spatial computing and real-time data can bridge physical and digital commerce, allowing consumers to explore, experience and purchase products seamlessly. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin spatium space

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spatial

• spatial summation

Rhymes for spatial

• facial
• glacial
• racial
• spacial
• bifacial
• biracial
• palatial
• postglacial
• preglacial
• subglacial
• craniofacial
• interfacial

Kids Definition

spatial

adjective

spa·​tial ˈspā-shəl 

: of or relating to space

spatially

ˈspāsh-(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

spatial

adjective

spa·​tial ˈspā-shəl 

1

: relating to, occupying, or having the character of space

affected with spatial disorientation

2

: of or relating to facility in perceiving relations (as of objects) in space

tests of spatial ability

spatially

ˈspāsh-(ə-)lē 

adverb